Visiting the "longevity commune"

People in Ha Hoa district often call Dan Thuong commune the land of “longevity”. According to statistics, there are 14 people living for more than a century, and countless people aged 80 and 90. Among them, Mr. Ma Van Tho is 112 years old this year, 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 in Zone 2, Dan Thuong Commune is the oldest living person in Ha Hoa District up to now. Mr. Tho can still talk and is clear-minded despite his very old age.

When you come to Dan Thuong, ask about Mr. Ma Van Tho and Mrs. Vu Thi Ty in Zone 2 and everyone will know them. The reason why this old couple is famous throughout the region is because they are both over 100 years old, holding the record for the longest life in Dan Thuong Commune and Ha Hoa District. Mr. Ma Van Tho is 112 years old, Mrs. Vu Thi Ty is 102 years old.

Mr. Ma Van Tho and Mrs. Vu Thi Ty gathered with their children and grandchildren at the 100th Birthday Celebration

Living for more than a century, the couple experienced almost all the ups and downs of the country and history. According to Mr. Mai Thanh Tri - the third son of the couple: "My father used to be a frontline laborer, participating in the route to transport food and ammunition to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. When I was a teenager, my father told me about that heroic yet arduous time."

The two elders are now old, their legs are weak, their eyesight is dim, but their minds are still sharp. When visiting their small room, the furniture is neatly arranged, there is a table between the two beds to store personal belongings, the room is always neat and clean. Just about a year ago, the two elders still ate and cleaned themselves without bothering their children and grandchildren. This year, their health is weaker, so they let their children and grandchildren serve them.

Sharing the secret to his parents' longevity and health, Mr. Mai Thanh Tri said: "Since they were young, my grandparents rarely got sick. In particular, they lived a very neat and clean lifestyle. Since the time they were raising their children, my parents had the habit of eating on time. After finishing a meal, bowls, chopsticks, and pots and pans had to be washed immediately, never leaving things for the next day. Living cleanly, neatly, and on schedule has become a family tradition. My grandparents always trained their children and grandchildren from the smallest things."

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

To further prove the title of “longevity commune”, the comrade in charge of culture of Dan Thuong commune took me to the house of Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem in zone 11. Mrs. Diem is 102 years old this year. When we entered the house, we saw the old lady wearing a floral shirt, a velvet scarf on her head, silver hair, and a hunched back sweeping the yard at the gate. At first glance, I thought she was only about 80.

Every day, he still sweeps the yard, weeds the garden and helps his children and grandchildren with housework.

Seeing the guests, the daughter-in-law shouted loudly: "Ma'am, there are guests!" Then she turned to us and said warmly: "You are over 100 years old but still sweep the house and weed the garden. You are in very good health, only hard of hearing." Mr. Phi Van Hung, the third son of Mr. Diem, led his hunched mother to sit on the hammock in front of the porch. Mr. Diem's ​​gray hair was neatly tied on her head, especially her eyes were still bright and her voice was clear.

Mr. Hung said: “My mother has 7 children, about 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Until now, she still takes care of her personal hygiene, eats, and does her laundry without any help from her children or grandchildren. Sometimes, when I offered to help, my mother would not let me. Every morning, she sweeps the yard, pulls weeds in the ornamental plants and in the vegetable garden.”

Grandma Ngo Thi Diem gathered with her children and grandchildren at her 100th birthday celebration.

Diem had an eldest son, a martyr named Phi Van Thanh, who died in 1974 on the battlefield in the South. To this day, the family has not yet found his grave. This was the lifelong wish of Mrs. Ngo Thi Diem. Her family said that many times when she sat down and thought of her son, she would say: "If I haven't found my brother, I can't go anywhere, my children."

Living a full life of more than a century, experiencing many ups and downs with the history of the country. The "centenarians" such as Mr. Tho, Mr. Ty, Mr. Diem have experienced the bombs and bullets of two wars, contributing to the protection of their homeland and country. In their old age, they still try to take care of themselves, working within their capacity. They are truly shining examples, spiritual support for their descendants.

Dan Thuong commune also pays attention to and focuses on health care for the elderly. Comrade Vu Duc Quy - Chairman of the Commune Elderly Association said: "Every year, the Elderly Association coordinates with the government to organize visits and encouragement on occasions of longevity celebrations and sudden illnesses with a total amount of over 20 million VND. In addition, the commune also organizes health check-ups, establishes elderly clubs, creates playgrounds to practice health, physical fitness, and spirit to help the elderly live long and healthy lives."

Paying attention to eating and drinking on time, maintaining clean living habits, working hard, being diligent, loving labor... are the secrets to a long and healthy life of the "centenarians" in Dan Thuong commune. Coming to Dan Thuong, not only to visit the landscape of the land bordering Yen Bai province but also to hear stories about the old people who have lived for more than a century, truly living up to the title of "longevity commune" of the motherland Au Co.

Thuy Trang

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