Koko Moshienyane Eva Boshielo from Limpopo in Mphanama village in the Sekhukhune district recently turned 113-years-old, making her the oldest known living person in the province.
In 2019, South Africa ranked seventh worldwide for having a high number of centenarians per capita, joining countries like Japan, France, and Thailand at the top of the list.
According to The Guinness World Records, the oldest living woman – and person – whose date of birth can be authenticated is María Branyas Morera (USA/Spain, b. 4 March 1907), who was aged 115 years 319 days as of 17 January 2023.
While many centenarians attribute longevity to good genes, healthy eating habits and staying physically active, koko Boshielo firmly believes that the key to a long and fulfilling life lies in remaining dedicated to a higher power and staying grounded in prayer.
For her, spirituality and faith have been the driving forces behind her extraordinary journey through life.
Having experienced the trials and tribulations that come with living for over a century, koko Boshielo emphasises the importance of a spiritual connection. She believes that by surrendering oneself to a higher power, individuals can find solace, strength, and guidance even in the most challenging times.
Koko Boshielo’s dedication to prayer is not simply a routine or obligation; it is a way of life.
“What I love about my mother is that she loves God, she always says that a person should give their life to God,” Florence Boshielo said about her mother.
Florence also mentioned that koko Boshielo grew up in church and also raised her children in church.
Florence is the person solely responsible for caring for her mom. She is half her mother’s age, having been born in May 1966. She is the youngest of koko Boshielo’s eight children.
“She said that she gave birth to me when she was in her 50s. People would tell me that a woman can only give birth until age 40 to 45 years, but my mother gave birth to me after 50. Women who give birth to babies at a later stage might give birth to babies with abnormalities but I am perfectly fine,” Florence said.
According to Florence, Koko Boshielo has lost six of her children, leaving only Florence and the eldest child alive. Florence also mentioned that she made the decision to quit her job when her mother turned 95 years old.
“We would ask people to stay with her because she was old and could not do most of things by herself but they were mistreating her. When my first-born started working I came to look after koko,” added Florence.
The Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 provides that an older person is a person who is 60 years old or older. South Africa recognises that older persons are important members of society, and protects them in law through the Older Person’s Act.
The Older Person’s Act gives effect to the rights in the Bill Of Rights in respect of Older Persons and aims to maintain and promote the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons.
Koko Boshielo is the second-born of seven children and the sole surviving child of her late parents. She was also born in the very village where she later tied the knot.
When asked what koko eats in a day, Florence responded said: “When a person gets older like my mother, they no longer have a choice of what they like. You are the one taking care of them and being mindful of what she eats and what food she reacts badly to,”
At 100 years old, koko Boshielo stopped eating red meat and has switched to turkey while still enjoying chicken and fish as part of her diet. Koko Boshielo doesn’t have any chronic illnesses and prefers fruit and vegetables like spinach, brown porridge and avoids oily food. – news@mukurukuru.co.za
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