"They represent a testament to hard work, even in later life, that few cultures manage to exemplify quite like the Chinese seem to do."

Really? I can't think of a culture/society where people that need to work hard don't do so...even into old age. Even as migrants to America, the first and sometimes second generation bring a strong work ethic with them. I'm sure the Chinese are very hard working...but they're hardly an exception if you look around the world.