BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The average lifespan of intellectuals in China is 58 years old, at least 10 years shorter than the national average.

    In Beijing's Zhongguancun area -- known as China's Silicon Valley and home to some of China's top universities and research institutions -- the intellectuals are dropping like flies: the average age at death is just 53.3 years, 5.2 years earlier than 10 years ago, according to a study conducted by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

    There is a saying describe Chinese intellectuals as, "higher in IQ but lower in physical strength." According to a joint survey conducted by 10 major Shanghai news organizations in 2002, 78.6% of journalists die between the ages of 40 and 60, with the average age at death 45.7 years old. Overwork and poor physical condition were blamed for the phenomenon.

    The figures are surprising in light of the common belief that intellectuals usually enjoy comfortable living conditions and good nutrition.

    "Most intellectuals are at the peak of their career at the age of 50," says Fan Yuliang, deputy chief of internal medicine at the Huangpu District Central Hospital in Shanghai.

    He says this premature loss of life is tragic not only for the families of the intellectuals, but also for the loss to the nation. Fan proposed a long-term study to monitor the health of this target group and determine the causes of the problem. Fan's proposal drew official attention to the health crisis of middle-aged intellectuals.

    Zhang Yufeng, an official with the East China University of Science and Technology, refers to the middle-aged intellectual as a tower of strength, taking on the problems of both the old and the young and playing important roles in both public and family life. Social pressure and the burdens imposed by a heavy workload take their toll, he said.

    China's 50-somethings have a unique history that is having an impact on them today. They grew up during some of the nation's toughest years: from 1959 to 1961, starvation was rampant. Then the decade-long Cultural Revolution, which began in 1966, smashed their dreams of a rosy future. As a result of those experiences, most of them are driven to work hard and seize every opportunity, often to the detriment of their own emotional and physical well-being. The end result is an early end.

    Nowadays, economics is no longer the crucial factor in determining health. Living conditions of intellectuals have improved considerably in the past 20 years. But now that people have more choices in their lifestyles, it is vital to form sound, healthy living and work habits.

    Most middle-aged intellectuals can easily get regular health checkups. But internist Fan Yuliang says that the standard annual physical exams conducted today -- identical to those that were conducted 20 years ago -- are not enough to prevent or treat the problems that have emerged in this group, as they generally do not uncover "silent" diseases that may be fatal by the time they become obvious. Moreover, there is no established health education and disease prevention system. Fan says that improved health care and heightened awareness of this problem are urgently needed.

(China.org.com)