VietNamNet Bridge – Though he is blind now, whenever he comes to the dining-table, he always calls his wife: “Where are you? Please come here!” He only starts the meal when his descendants lead his wife to the table.
That man is Mr. Huynh Van Lac, 110 and his wife is Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lanh, 106. They have just been recognized by the Vietnam Record Book Center as the eldest living couple in Vietnam.

After 82 years living together, they have had four children, three sons and daughters in law, 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and are about to have a great-great grandchild at this year’s end. Mr. Lac and Mrs. Lanh are living with their fourth daughter in Dong Hung Thuan Ward, District 12, HCM City.

The peaceful atmosphere covers the old couple’s home. They lie on two bamboo beds which are close to each other. Their daughter, 71 already, still takes care of her parents.

Mrs. Lac and Mrs. Lanh are still sound in mind and body. Whenever guests come, Mrs. Lanh tried to sit down to receive guests and tell them about her old time. However, she often avoids talking about her age.

She said she is the youngest child and was one of the most beautiful girls in her village. Many men wanted to marry her but she loved Mrs. Lac, who was 28 years old at that time.

“He was very black but was a good-natured man. He could do everything, from making up herbal prescriptions to doing farm work. He was a good speaker and could read and write Chinese scripts. Since we got married, he has never made me sad…” she recalled and smiled happily.

Sitting on the nearby bed, Mr. Lac smiled and said: “It is our fate to see each other. I was very poor but she did not disparage me. Living with me, she had to work hard but she has never complained a word.”

Asking the couple about their secrets for a long life, they said they have never thought of it. They only worked hard and lived simply as others. Particularly, they have never scrambled for fame and wealth, cheated or discouraged anyone.
“My family is not rich but my descendants are very grateful. Thanks to their thoughtful care, we are still healthy,” Mrs. Lanh said.

Mr. Trinh Van Don, former Chair of the Association of the Elderly of Dong Hung Thuan Ward, who has been a neighbor of the old couple for several decades, said that Mr. Lac and Mrs. Lanh are the example for locals for their healthy lifestyle and happy family.

“Mr. Lac is very kind. He used to sell traditional medicines at cheap prices to people. He even gave free medicines to poor patients,” Mr. Tam said.

Though they are poor, Mr. Lac and Lanh’s family always lives in peace. The couple used to invite to prepare wedding bed for new couples. “Newly-married couples wish to have happy life and live together as long as Mr. Lac and Mrs. Lanh,” Tam explained.

PV