I have been asked this question several times by people and I sometimes dismiss them jokingly with answers such as these people who live so long healthily chose their parents well.
But of course such answers do not explain everything. Genes cannot be blamed for all our problems. Some priests and the religious say that those who live long had not achieved their divine purpose on earth. But then should some suffer so long before they achieve the purpose?
Genes and early circumstances play a role in longevity and achievement but the individual is also responsible for his or her role in life. We are greatly influenced and affected by the home, social circumstances and the values of society.
Reaction to events and circumstances also greatly affect the individual. I had friends who when we met recounted the behaviour of acquaintances and friends over landed property. One of them always brought files to show which chiefs, relations or influential people had crossed his path or were fraudulent. He was wealthy but unhappy.
I believe that happiness and inner contentment promote long, fruitful lives. Some happenings in life undermine this inner peace. Children, for example, can make parents unhappy inwardly by their behaviour and disappointing lives. We should bring our children up well but then we would do well to leave them alone to live their own lives. The time to help mould their character is when they are young. We should have time for them in our youth when we are young, making our money and having a good time.
Relations also disturb the inner peace of the successful elderly. They are sometimes the remote causes of fraudulent behaviour and the political favouritism which mar public life. They make too many demands.
No particular behaviour can guarantee a long, healthy life. We should follow the doctor’s advice but that should not prevent us from enjoying the food or drink we like now and again. The surroundings affect us a lot. Air and noise pollution, as well as bad sanitation, lower the quality and duration of life. That is why we should see to it that the responsible authorities do their work.
The President we have elected is not a party chief but a national leader who should do his duty to the state. Other institutions should also perform to ensure lengthy and enjoyable life for all. We the people should do our duty, while we ensure that those we pay as servants of state do theirs.
To do this, we should not be stampeded into action by the war drums of the ignorant when they are inconvenienced by the rule of law. It was, for example, most unfortunate that Parliament at a time when living is difficult for many, and therefore long life threatened, finds time to talk about a law passed only a few years ago to enable the University of Ghana to discharge its functions.
The public cannot certainly be allowed in every part of a public institution, be it a hospital, university, Parliament or Flagstaff House. The suggested amendment to the University of Ghana law so that the university grounds become a thoroughfare is most unfortunate.
It is the duty of Parliament to help educate us that we cannot drive our vehicles everywhere anyhow. There are private roads and these should be respected or abolished by law. The university erred by using the word ‘toll’ to describe the entrance charges. The charges inconvenience some members of the public, including private transport owners.
Naturally, those affected will scream. But Parliament should encourage us to scream more when people build houses which may collapse and kill others. It is sad that some of our lawmakers want the law changed to allow us to do as we please in a society which is becoming increasingly lawless.
To live long healthy lives, stress must be kept to the minimum. I was distressed when I read in the Graphic of March 25 that Parliament was considering amending the law so that we could bring the mayhem on our roads to the university which should be a sanctuary for peace and deep reflection. The distress has shortened my life by a day or two.
Some have lived long in spite of the not-so-sensible things they have done in their youth because they have been fortunate. But we should not leave everything to good fortune. Many more will live fruitful, lengthy lives if we promote the rule of law in society and, thereby, reduce stress. It is not only the President who should lead in this area. Parliament and all national institutions should do their duty. And so should we the people.
