OLD age has certainly taken its toll on centenarian Marium Bi. Despite being frail limbed, it is the love of her family that keeps her going every day.
Originally from Field 40, Lautoka, Bi now resides in Cuvu, Sigatoka, and is the oldest person in her community — a fact her family is extremely proud of.
According to her youngest son Abdul Aziz, 52, his mother had lived with his family ever since his father passed away in 1986.
“My father was 86 when he passed away,” he says.
“Because she has at a very old age, she often finds it hard to speak and remember things. She hardly remembers anything from her past.”
This has caused her to be completely dependent on her son and daughter-in-law, who tend to her needs every day.
A farmer when she was younger, Bi had 13 children. Her oldest son is 78-years-old.
“We are 13 siblings in total and she has 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. We feel blessed that she has lived so long to see everyone.
“Ever since she was younger, I remember her diet consisted mostly of vegetables. She disliked meat. Even as she grew older, she only ate fish and vegetables.
“She also worked as a midwife and helped deliver many babies in the communities that she lived in.”
Aziz, who works as a driver to support his family, says the support from his siblings and family members has helped his mother in her time of need.
“She does not remember most people or their names. She has been living with us for so long that she has taken to calling my wife and I, mum and dad. It’s a role reversal for us now,” Aziz says, laughing.
“Even when my brothers or sisters take her home, she will always want to come back to Sigatoka and be with our family.”
Caring for a centenarian has not come easy for the family. Aziz says several changes have been made to accommodate his mother.
“We have to be on our toes and when I’m not at home, my wife takes care of my mother. It is hard at times but she is my mother and she took care of us when we were younger so now, it is our turn to take care of her.”
