As we continue to associate “BIG” with strong, wealthy and beautiful, we must ask ourselves why our elders are suffering with health problems, such as diabetes and heart diseases.

It is very difficult to change our fa’a Samoa or way of life. Because we have grown fond of these food items! May I propose that it would be in our best interest to seek a healthier way of life? I would even call on our leaders, here and abroad to take this fight seriously. After all, we are talking about our lives!

How is your health? If I were to ask you about your financial plan for the next decade, you may/could respond with a clear plan to help you along the way. But what if I asked you about your health outlook for the next 10 years or 20 years, most of us would not be able to provide a coherent plan. What about fathers? Do you desire to walk your daughter down the aisle on her wedding? Are you willing to change your lifestyle to enable you to still be functioning at a high level later in life? Have you thought of the opportunities to play with your grandchildren? Or to spend time with your kids as long as possible?

Of course no one wants to be sickly in life, and I am sure we all want to stay here and spend as much time with our children, grandchildren or even great grandchildren. I would love to be around for that long myself. When I was young I told myself that I would like to live beyond 70 years of age. It disturbs me when I see most of our older generations in Samoa, with diabetes, wheelchair bound, or with a walking stick or, worse, bed ridden. I do not picture myself in that situation and I certainly do not want to be a burden to my daughter. If our people are to survive it is imperative that we invest in our health before it is too late. 

That, I think, is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we could give our children.