May we all age gracefully and youthfully!

After my lecture on the “Underlying Causes of Chronic Diseases” in northern Philippines, I was approached by a 105 year old woman with several questions. Before answering her questions, I asked her, “What is your secret?” She replied, “I eat paksiw (fish and ampalaya) cooked in Ilocos vinegar for breakfast, lunch and supper.” We both laughed. She is a wonderful example of the traditional culture in the Philippines of valuing and maintaining central roles for older people. They remain physically active and are emotionally, intellectually and mentally much more involved within the family and community. Valuing the elderly is a beautiful tradition that we should cherish and propagate, especially in the face of cultural messages from the West that once you are old you are useless.