ABU DHABI // Three in five women between the ages of 41 and 50 put their family's health ahead of their own, even though half of them have average or poor health, a survey has found.
The study was released ahead of International Women's Day today.
Just 19 per cent of women in that age bracket exercise daily, compared with 35 per cent of similarly aged men.
More than half of those women also had serious concerns about developing a stoop later in life - one of the consequences of deteriorating bone health.
More than 400 women between the ages of 18 and 50 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were questioned for the survey, commissioned by Anlene, a dairy products company.
Dr Humeira Badsha, of the Dr Humeira Badsha Medical Centre in Dubai and an Anlene ambassador board member, said bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis could have an effect on a person's physical appearance.
"It's important for all women, even those in their twenties, to maintain good diet and exercise habits so they can continue to enjoy physical activity or look after their families later in life," she said.
"Good bone health is essential for people to stay fit and active and continue doing the things they love, whether that's looking after family, playing with your children or simply going for a walk."
[ ecleland@thenational.ae ]
