She's 109, thanks to diet and walks



Kaminah Sarjo threading a needle while being watched
by her granddaughter, Siti Ramlah Tumijan.
NST picture by Mohd Rafi Mamat

 KUANTAN: Despite her age and physical appearance, the centenarian from Felda Bukit Goh here still possesses an incredible memory and good eyesight.

Clad in a light green baju kurung and brown headscarf, Kaminah Sarjo, who will be turning 109 this year would sometimes put the younger members of her family to shame, especially in remembering certain important dates and events.

Kaminah was helping her granddaughter to thread a needle in the home of her daughter, Tumijan Gonu, recently, and upon completing the task, smiled as her grandchildren who sat around her clapped.

Born in Sept 1901, Kaminah arrived in Malaysia from Jawa Tengah, Indonesia, when she was in her 20s and worked in several plantations in Johor before marrying an Indonesian man whom she met while working there.

The couple had nine children before they settled at Felda Bukit Goh. Her husband died several years ago.

Speaking Bahasa Malaysia with an Indonesian accent, Kaminah the eldest of five siblings said a fall in the bathroom two months ago had resulted in injuries to both her legs.

"I kept myself fit by walking in the house compound.

"However, the fall has restricted my movements and I am praying to recover soon.

"I thank God for sparing me from chronic illnesses and also providing me with good health and a long life."

Asked if there was any secret to her remarkable health, Kaminah replied that she had been careful with what she ate since her younger days.

"Besides rice and porridge, I will eat raw vegetables and fruits.

"And I am also fond of spicy food, especially sambal."

Kaminah said the attention she received from her family, especially her grandchildren, also kept her on her feet and it also made her feel important.

She said her daughter's house was always filled with people and activities as her 71 grandchildren and 70 great great grandchildren, who in turn, had their own grandchildren, would often come to visit her during weekends and festive seasons

p/s: Wow! what a great age!

Read more: She's 109, thanks to diet and walks http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/22kami/Article#ixzz1E7km7LXZ