FIJI: Old Age A Big Blessing, Says 103 Years-Old Susana

103-year-old Susana Cabealawa (centre) was surrounded by three generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during Mothers Day celebrations in Suva. SUVA (Fiji Times), May 15, 2006: SOME say old age is a burden, but 103-year-old Susana Cabealawa believes it is a blessing. The healthy mother, grandmother and great-grandmother from Navave Village in Bua said there was no secret to reaching her age. She said that God was her source of strength and made her live that long. Born on January 8, 1903, Ms Cabealawa said she had not experienced any severe sickness all her life nor any restrictions to her diet. She could not remember how many Mothers Days she had celebrated but was thankful for each of them. Her nephew, 72-year-old Nimira Rasewale said she had the strength of a young person, was always working and looked after herself well. She is still very strong and works around the house as well, Mr Rasewale said. She lives with her grandson, Reverend Suliasi Kurulo, in Namadi Heights. Ms Cabealawa said she had no idea how much longer she would be around. But she said she enjoyed her life and the people she had met. She said one of the best moments was when she met members of the media at the Commissioner Easterns office in Suva after casting her postal ballot last week. She spends her days reading, visiting relatives all over Suva, going to church and visiting her village of Navave in Bua. Copyright © 2006 Fiji Times Limited. All Rights Reserved