In case you didn’t already know, our seventh prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the oldest elected leader in the world at 92 years old and that is truly something to be proud of. He continues to wow us with his awesome stamina as he works even harder than most of us who are less than half his age.
Today (10 July), we celebrate the 93rd birthday of Tun Mahathir and if you want to know what’s the secret behind his amazing health, vigour and sharp mind, then be sure to read on! Perhaps we can be like him when we grow older!
In an interview with Bernama as quoted by The Star, when he recently visited Tokyo, he happily told the news portal how he manages to be so active and sharp despite his age, and here’s what he shared:
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Tun Mahathir highlights the importance of keeping the body active even after a person is past retirement age. He said that one should not rest too much but should always keep busy. “I would prefer to rest, of course, but I would like to advise people not to rest when they grow old. If you lie down all the time, the muscles (eventually) cannot even carry your weight, you cannot stand, you cannot walk,” he explained.
2. Keep the brain active
He adds that one should always use their muscles as they would deteriorate when not in use – this applies for the brain too! “If you don’t use your brain, you don’t think, you don’t solve problems, you don’t read, you don’t write, the brain regresses and you become senile… so always be active,” he said. Take note!
3. Don’t overeat
If you have read up on Tun Mahathir, you may have heard this advice before. He stresses the importance of not overeating, which is a piece of advice he had gotten from his late mother. His late mother had told him before that he should stop eating even when the food is delicious. Although this may seem like a difficult task at first, it was easier to do so once he got used to it. Lesson: stop once you are full!
Since today (10 July) is Tun M’s birthday, Malaysians are all giving him heartfelt wishes on social media as they toast to his good health and hope that he lives a long time. His doting daughter, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir also posted a loving birthday message on her Facebook page.
She wrote, “Happy 93rd birthday to my darling Dad. Nobody can fully know what it took to get back in the game, go out there and fight and then roll your sleeves up to work to save our beloved Malaysia. I’m proud of many things you’ve achieved but nothing has made me prouder than seeing you still willing to listen and learn from your new colleagues.” Aww, so sweet!
WOB wishes you a very happy 93rd birthday, Tun Mahathir! May you be blessed with good health and lead our country to greater heights. 🙂
Also read: Having Just Turned 93, Here are 11 Fun Facts You Should Know About Dr Mahathir