“We must try our best to build Shanghai into a healthy city,” Vice Mayor Zuo Huanchen said this week. “I hope every resident will participate in the plan.”

Under the tobacco-control measures, merchants will not be allowed to sell cigarettes to anyone under 18.

Cigarette sales will be banned in hospitals, schools, universities, government buildings and other so-far unspecified locations.

The bureau is also urging local tax authorities to help it implement the smoking-control plan, presumably by increasing taxes on cigarettes.

“The plan aims to elevate the city’s prevention and control of chronic diseases to an internationally advanced level by 2015,” said Wu Fan, of the Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau.

The targeted illnesses include malignant tumors, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases.

“Too much smoking or drinking and lack of physical exercise are the main causes of chronic diseases,” said Wu.

He pointed out that the city’s incidence of chronic diseases is increasing dramatically along with the aging of the population.

As the country’s most-rapidly “graying” city, Shanghai is home to 2.35 million people age 60 or more - accounting for 18 percent of its 13 million population. There are 266,000 citizens over age 80.

During the past 50 years, the average life span for Shanghai citizens has grown from 44 years to 77 years.

Under the 15-year plan, a series of measures will be taken to improve the quality of people’s lives.

Shanghai is working to enhance the living environment by enlarging green areas and upgrading water and air quality.

Funds are also being devoted to fitness centers in local communities.

(eastday.com 11/09/2000)