Leonida Muga, 48, Kenya
Being over 50 is considered old in Kenya, but mostly the people who can not do their work on their own. They need somebody to help them and are considered old. But even at 50 if you are able to work on your own without somebody to help you, you are not considered old.
It’s not so bad so long as you have children because then you have grandchildren. Your children can give you some of their children to come and look after their grandmother or you stay with them at home tending them. You are just happy with your children. It is a very important role for the grandmother.
Personal feelings: On my side I feel that it is not bad being old. It is good because you are mature. Others will be honoring you because you have grown old. Normally these days people die at a very early age. So if you live for long you will be one of the blessed ones.
Being old is good. You will receive many things that you haven’t seen when you were young. When you live a long time you will see many things and meet so many friends.
Secrets to aging well: I like doing exercises and I do my work alone. I don’t like making people do it for me. And I make sure that I eat properly and exercise every now and then. I’m a teacher by profession and I do my work always, no matter how I feel.
Interviewed by Bonnie Fatio, founder of AgeEsteem,during the YWCA World Council in Nairobi, Kenya, July 2007
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Posted by Bonnie Fatio on September 4, 2007 4:04 PM | Permalink
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