Menopause Day declared

JAKARTA: In line with the launching of a campaign to improve the quality of life for mature women, the government has set Oct. 18 as Menopause Day.

"The declaration of Menopause Day is in line with the international movement to encourage the world community to pay wider attention to the issues of health after menopause," chairman of the Indonesian Society for Menopause (Permi) Ali Baziad said.

He said the number of aging Indonesian women increased every year. "There are many health problems associated with menopause due to the lack of estrogen. We should therefore give serious attention to this group of people so that they will be able to maintain their quality of life."

The success of national development has resulted in increased life expectancy.

According to Permi, in 1971 the life expectancy of women was 42.2 years, and the figure rose to 66.7 years in 1995. "The increase has made it possible for women to live several decades after menopause," the organization said in a statement.