The report says that 79 per cent of American adults aged 60 and older have two or more chronic illnesses. In mainland China, the figures are also worrying, with about 11 per cent of adults having diabetes, more than 270 million adults having high blood pressure and around 330 million people having cardiovascular disease. Many countries are struggling with similar health challenges.

As medical technologies advance, people live longer but not necessarily healthier. More education on health issues is needed. While the government has a big role to play here, it is also the responsibility of individuals to take care of their health. Leading a healthy life requires strong determination and self-discipline.

I appreciate the report sharing tips on how to maintain good health, such as not smoking, staying physically active, and having healthy eating habits, strong family support, good metal health and a robust social network. It is indeed important to have strong family and social support. Emotional needs are as crucial as physical ones.

According to a study by researchers at the School of Public Health at Harbin Medical University in China, people who experienced social isolation had a 32 per cent higher risk of dying early from any cause than those who were not socially isolated. Another study from the School of Health and Wellbeing of the University of Glasgow in Scotland showed that those who lived alone and never had visits from family and friends had a 39 per cent higher risk of premature death compared with people who received daily visits.

As we celebrate Lunar New Year, may we have more awareness of our health. Let’s eat better and show more love to the people around us.