Longevity does not come easily

My brother-in-law relocated to Nkhoma about two years ago from Chigumula, Blantyre, to live with and care for his ageing father. It was a decision rooted in family responsibility and affection, and one that has enabled him to spend invaluable time with a man whose life now spans an entire century.

Last Friday, Windsross Chimutu, my brother-in-law’s father, celebrated his 100th birthday. Centenarians are rare in any part of the world. To attain such an age is a remarkable achievement, one that places an individual in a very exclusive category. Mr. Chimutu now has few surviving contemporaries. Most of those who shared his childhood, youth and adulthood have long since departed, leaving him as a living witness to events and transformations that many of us can only read about in books.

What makes his story particularly striking is his physical condition. Even at 100 years old, he still walks without assistance, bathes and eats independently. Such resilience would be admirable in someone considerably younger. The years, however, have inevitably affected his mental faculties. His memory has deteriorated significantly and meaningful conversation can sometimes prove difficult. He occasionally imagines circumstances that bear little resemblance to reality. For example, only one particular young man is permitted to serve him food. Anyone else attempting to do so risks being accused of plotting against him. Such behaviour may be understandable in someone of his advanced years, yet it serves as a poignant reminder that longevity does not exempt one from the frailties of old age.

I have known Mr Chimutu Senior for many years. My acquaintance with him began when he came to Nkhoma to assume the position of general treasurer of the synod in the mid-1970s, after a lengthy career in education. Having taught in various schools over many years, he brought with him the discipline, integrity and sense of duty that characterise the finest teachers. He has consistently been a man of sober habits and admirable self-restraint.

One of the most notable aspects of his life has been his lifelong abstinence from alcohol. He has been a committed teetotaller from his youth to date. Equally remarkable was his temperament. I never once witnessed him quarrelling with anyone. This is not to suggest he never encountered situations capable of provoking anger. Like every human being, he undoubtedly faced countless frustrations and disappointments. Yet he possessed the rare ability to master his emotions rather than be mastered by them.

Another feature of his lifestyle was his commitment to physical exercise. Until roughly a decade ago, he maintained a routine of walking from the mission, around Nkhoma Mountain and back. Such a journey could easily cover 15 kilometres. For a man in his 80s to undertake that distance regularly was extraordinary. The habit kept him physically active, strengthened his body and undoubtedly contributed to the impressive mobility he still enjoys today.

Of course, genetics plays an important role in determining how long a person lives. Yet lifestyle choices also exert considerable influence. I attended Robert Blake Secondary School during the latter half of the 1970s. Sadly, more than half of those who were my contemporaries are no longer alive. No survey has been conducted to establish the causes of each death. Attempting to do so would border on the unethical. It would, therefore, be unwise to speculate about any common factor. What is beyond dispute, however, is that many indulged heavily in alcohol and tobacco and perhaps in other substances as well.

Research has consistently linked smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy. The precise impact varies from person to person, but the risks are well established. Some relatives of mine who were devoted consumers of kachasu (traditional spirit) died many years ago while still in the prime of life, for example.

This article should not be interpreted as a crusade for puritanical living. We are all free to choose the lifestyles that appeal to us and that freedom ought to be respected. Nevertheless, as we celebrate centenarians such as Mr. Chimutu, it is worthwhile to reflect on the habits that may have contributed to their longevity.

We cannot determine exactly how many years we shall live, but his century of life suggests that disciplined habits, emotional balance and physical activity can greatly improve the quality of the years we are fortunate enough to have.

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