Visiting the "village of longevity"

People in Ha Hoa district often refer to Dan Thuong commune as the land of "longevity." According to statistics, the commune has 14 people who have lived for over a century, and countless others are 80 or 90 years old. Among them, Mr. Ma Van Tho is 112 years old, only 5 years younger than the Spanish woman who currently holds the Guinness World Record for "Oldest Living Person in the World ."

Mr. Ma Van Tho, residing in Zone 2, Dan Thuong Commune, is the oldest living person in Ha Hoa District to date. Despite his advanced age, Mr. Tho can still speak and remains mentally sharp.

In Dan Thuong commune, if you ask about Mr. Ma Van Tho and Mrs. Vu Thi Ty in Zone 2, everyone knows them. The reason this elderly couple is famous throughout the region is because they are both over 100 years old, holding the record for the longest lifespan in Dan Thuong commune and Ha Hoa district. Mr. Ma Van Tho is 112 years old, and Mrs. Vu Thi Ty is 102 years old.

Mr. Ma Van Tho and Mrs. Vu Thi Ty gathered with their children and grandchildren during their 100th birthday celebration.

Having lived for over a century, the couple experienced almost all the ups and downs and changes of the country and its history. According to Mr. Mai Thanh Tri, their third son: "My father was a civilian worker on the front lines, participating in the transportation of food and ammunition to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. When I was young, he told me about that heroic yet arduous time."

The elderly couple are now advanced in age, their legs weak, their eyesight failing, but their minds remain sharp. Visiting their small room, the belongings are neatly arranged, a small table between the two beds holds personal items, and the room is always tidy and clean. Just about a year ago, they were still able to eat, drink, and take care of their personal hygiene independently without bothering their children or grandchildren. This year, due to their declining health, they have begun to rely on their children and grandchildren for assistance.

Sharing the secret to his parents' longevity and good health, Mr. Mai Thanh Tri said: "My grandparents rarely got sick from a young age. In particular, they had a very neat and clean lifestyle. From the time they raised their children, they had the habit of eating on time. Dishes, chopsticks, and pots and pans were washed immediately after each meal; they never left them until the next day. Cleanliness, orderliness, and a regular schedule became a family tradition. My grandparents always instilled these values ​​in their children and grandchildren, even in the smallest things."

Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem, residing in Zone 11, Dan Thuong commune, is 102 years old but still has bright eyes and a clear voice.

To further illustrate the commune's reputation as a "long-lived community," the cultural officer of Dan Thuong commune led me to the home of Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem in Zone 11. Mrs. Diem is 102 years old this year. Upon entering the house, we met the elderly woman wearing a floral dress, a velvet headscarf, her hair gray, her back hunched as she swept the yard at the gate. At first glance, I thought she was only about 80.

She still sweeps the yard and pulls weeds in the garden every day, helping her children and grandchildren with household chores.

Seeing the guests arrive, the old woman's daughter-in-law called out loudly, "Madam, we have guests!" Then, turning to us, she said warmly, "She's over 100 years old and still sweeps the house and pulls weeds in the garden. She's very healthy, only hard of hearing." Mr. Phi Van Hung, the third son of Mrs. Diem, led his hunched mother to sit down on a hammock on the porch. Mrs. Diem's ​​gray hair was neatly tied up, and remarkably, her eyes were still bright, and her voice clear.

Mr. Hung recounted: “My mother has seven children and about 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even now, she still takes care of her personal hygiene, eats, and washes her clothes without needing help from her children or grandchildren. Sometimes, when we offer to help, she doesn't allow it. Every morning, she sweeps the yard and pulls weeds from the ornamental plants and the vegetable garden.”

Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem is surrounded by her children and grandchildren during her 100th birthday celebration.

Mrs. Diem's ​​eldest son, Phi Van Thanh, was a martyr who died in 1974 on the battlefield in Southern Vietnam. To this day, the family has not been able to find his grave. This has been Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem's ​​lifelong wish. Family members say that sometimes, when she's sitting alone and thinking of her son, she says, "Until I find him, I can't leave this world, my children."

Having lived for over a century, experiencing countless ups and downs alongside the nation's history, centenarians like Mr. Tho, Mr. Ty, and Mr. Diem endured the bombs and bullets of two wars, contributing their efforts to protect their homeland. In their twilight years, they still strive to take care of themselves and work within their capabilities. They truly are shining examples and a source of spiritual support for their descendants.

Healthcare for the elderly is also a priority for Dan Thuong commune. Mr. Vu Duc Quy, Chairman of the Elderly Association of the commune, said: “Every year, the Elderly Association, in coordination with the government, organizes visits and provides encouragement on occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and emergencies, with a total expenditure of over 20 million VND. In addition, the commune organizes health check-ups, establishes elderly clubs, and creates recreational activities to improve physical and mental health, helping the elderly live long and healthy lives.”

Paying attention to proper and timely eating habits, maintaining cleanliness, being diligent, hardworking, and loving labor... these are the secrets to longevity and good health of the centenarians in Dan Thuong commune. Visiting Dan Thuong is not only about exploring the landscape bordering Yen Bai province, but also about hearing stories of elderly people who have lived for over a century, truly living up to its reputation as the "commune of longevity" in the land of Mother Au Co.

Thuy Trang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ve-tham-xa-truong-tho-217162.htm