Ever think of being 88?

My answer is NO.  But if you could live a healthy comfortable life, why not??  Keep on reading if you aspire to be one.

Today I have learnt an important message in life.  Even though I have  always read and see these on TV, but my encounter with this remarkable man, is priceless.  Introducing Pak Cik Aziz, who lives in my neighborhood, but I was never close enough to know him. Yesterday evening, I dropped by his house to ask for a favour, and I realised that he had so many things to share.  He knows so many things and it would be a waste if his knowledge is not shared.

I could not believe my ears when he tells me that is he is 88!!.  and his wife is 78.  They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

Pak Cik Aziz is still strong, bubbly, and remembers well.  After talking to him, I learn that he is very fussy and also a very disciplined person.  Being Virgo, he is also a Perfectionist!!

Pak Cik Aziz told me that he writes down (on notes of various sizes) everything that he needs to remember so that he can free his mind from the pressure of remembering.  So before I leave, I ask permission to see his notes – and now I understand this person, and how he managed to live up till 88.  So here it is – several rules to live a longer life, which I managed to derive from my one hour chat with him.

1. CHANGE or DIE.  This is all about attitude.  It is about the determination to change your life, in order to live longer (In Shaa ALLAH – we could only plan!).   Take charge of your life!  This note was placed on the kitchen cabinet door, near the sink, so that everyone whom uses the sink could see.    
2. Do not stress yourself.  Every time he loss  something, he does not complain, but just replace them!  Writing notes throw the burden of remembering too many things.  Key point here – take it easy.
3. Meet Pak Cik Aziz with his home made remedies.  One that he recommends most is Apple Cider + Honey (preferably Royal Jelly).  Apple Cider is Very Alkalizing.  If you keep your body alkaline, you will be more healthy.  This is the recipe that he keeps near the apple cider bottle.
4. He also takes care of what he eats.  Notice where he post his notes..And now at this age, he prefers to eat potatoes (not any kind) and vegetables.  I think this is the toughest part …. giving up the food you love… nasi lemak, roti canai, teh tarik……
5. Exercise – Pak Cik Aziz is a regular on the KTM commuter until late last year.  And he used to walk to the station.  He is still fit till today.
6. Pak Cik Aziz reads a lot, still do research!!.  Collect newspaper cuttings, files them and the list goes on…. he keep his mind occupied (but no worries).  One sad thing that he told me – he was the only Malay boy from Selangor who was accepted to do Medicine in Singapore, but could not join because he had malaria.  If not, he would join the ranks of Tun Mahathir (his batch).
7. Above all, we should all work hard.. actually this is a friendly reminder for his maid… to be honest…

His only regret —- he could not use the computer, despite having one, and has been to classes before.  So I have promised him that I would teach him Facebook and Google.  Imagine him doing more wonderful things with technology.

I have not consulted Pak Cik Aziz about the order of his secret to living a long, and meaningful life.  The 7 points above is my interpretation and understanding of my one hour with him today.  He invites me to come again (and this time I am going to bring my husband) and he would share more of his tips.

Pak Cik Aziz reminds me of my late aunt, Hajjah Fatimah who had live beyond 90 years of age.  She was remarkable and well respected, I miss her very much, especially her wisdom.  Al-Fatihah to Mak Lang….

I am glad I could share this, hopefully someone will benefit from it, In Sha Allah.  May Allah bless us with His Rahmah, Barakah and Maghfirah.

So, here i am ready to alkalise myself first thing tomorrow morning – with the Bragg’s apple cider & royal jelly (which I obtained from Pak Cik Aziz).  One thing at a time…