Technology simplifies life, but are we trading health for convenience?
Today’s society, driven by convenience and comfort, appears less physically active than previous generations.
As the world advances, so does the technology that shapes our lives. Today’s society, driven by convenience and comfort, appears less physically active than previous generations.
Smartphones double as personal assistants and food delivery apps mean you never have to cook, it’s safe to say that technology has revolutionised how we live.
It all starts innocently enough. Why browse the aisles of a supermarket when online grocery shopping offers doorstep delivery?
Even when it comes to fitness, treadmills and stationary bikes might get your heart rate up, but they still eliminate the camaraderie and effort of excersicing outdoors.
This shift isn’t just anecdotal. Studies have consistently shown that sedentary behavior is on the rise globally, with people spending an average of over six hours a day sitting, often glued to screens.
And while technology claims to save time, the truth is, we often reinvest those hours into more screen time.
When it comes to health, modern innovations like smart watched with fitness trackers, nutrition apps, promise unparalleled convenience and health improvements.
Yet, beneath these advancements lies a paradox, as we lean on technology to optimise health, we may also be neglecting the very habits that sustain it.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Medicine Public Health Medicine Specialist, Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, warned that our increasing reliance on technology, while beneficial, can unintentionally contribute to declining physical activity and poor health outcomes.
“Previous generations exercise a lot, walk a lot, eat less fast food, and connect more with people rather than gadgets.
“People are getting more overweight and obese due to unhealthy food choices but also being less active,” she told Sinar Daily recently.
With Malaysians reported to being one of the least active walkers in the world, it also reflects broader systemic issues. Urban designs often prioritise vehicles over pedestrians, and unhealthy food options dominate the market, making it harder for people to make nutritious choices.
Meanwhile, Consultant Public Health Physician Dr Hematram Yadav, highlighted that these patterns contribute to a host of health problems, from obesity to cardiovascular diseases, which could be mitigated by something as simple as walking.
“Inactivity can cause cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression, obesity and overweight, rarely cancers and even deaths,” he added.
THE DECLINE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical inactivity has far-reaching consequences.
Dr Hematram further cited a recent European Journal of Preventive Cardiology study that found walking at least 3,867 steps daily reduces the risk of death from any cause, while 2,337 steps lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.
"Long-term regular physical activity, including walking, is also associated with better cognitive function," Dr Hematram added, referencing a JAMA study that demonstrated improved mental acuity in older women who maintained active lifestyles.
Despite these findings, urban planning in Malaysia often fails to provide safe, accessible spaces for walking and exercise, a significant barrier in promoting healthier living.
The result is that many Malaysians, instead of opting for walking or cycling, increasingly prefer to drive—whether it's for short trips to the grocery store or commuting to work.
This reliance on cars is further reinforced by urban development that prioritises road networks and parking facilities over pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
As a result, sprawling highways and limited sidewalks make it inconvenient, and often unsafe, for people to walk or engage in physical activities, perpetuating a culture of sedentary lifestyles.
Without a shift in planning to encourage more walkable and active environments, the convenience of cars will continue to dominate, undermining efforts to improve public health.
SHIFTING TOWARDS A HEALTHIER CULTURE
The solution lies in fostering a culture that prioritises health. Dr Sharifa emphasised the need for government intervention to incorporate safe and accessible infrastructure for physical activities, particularly as Malaysia approaches an ageing population.
"Today’s reliance on online food deliveries and highly processed meals loaded with sugars, fats, and preservatives is contributing to rising obesity rates,” she remarked.
Both experts agree that tackling this issue requires a multi-pronged approach, blending technology with tangible lifestyle changes.
Encouraging active living, coupled with mindful urban planning and dietary awareness, could reverse the alarming trends in health deterioration.
The path forward involves harmonising the benefits of modern technology with a commitment to staying physically active.
As Dr Hematram aptly summarised that physical inactivity sets off a chain reaction of health problems, ranging from coronary heart disease to depression. Even small, he said consistent efforts to stay active can make a life-saving difference.
Revitalising walking and exercise as part of daily life, supported by government policies and societal shifts, can pave the way toward a healthier, happier Malaysia.
The challenge now lies in striking that balance—leveraging technology without losing sight of our roots in physical movement.
