Age is just a number. 

At 67-years-old, Paulo Mose, believes you are only as old as you feel.

While most people tend to rely more on family for support as they get older, Paulo is different. 

The elder from the village of Luatuanu’u relies on no one else but God and his strength to cope with life. 

 “Life may be hard to get by but God is a loving father of the earth and sky,” he tells the Village Voice. 

 “He is there whenever we need him. Use your strength to work with God for he will bless you with unconditional love. 

“I don’t rely on anyone else and noone should either. 

 “I also don’t want to rely on my sister’s children so I work to do my part as well. When people rely on others too much, then nothing good comes out of it.”

Paulo said everyone is blessed with unique talents.

Paulo lost his wife not too long ago and he admits that he misses her.

“My wife passed away not too long ago and it hasn’t been easy,” he said. 

“What makes it tough is that my wife and I have no kids, so she used to do a lot around the house. 

“She always did her role as a mother and a wife and how she tried her best to provide for the family as much as possible.

“She was my strength and everything.

“To be honest, when she was gone I lost track of everything I almost gave up on life because I can’t do anything without her.” 

But Paulo said his wife was not a quitter and he wants to be like her.

“We both worked hard for our families. She left but has taught me a lot of good things. She was never tired of working and never tired of hoping. 

“To be honest she is my role model.” 

Paulo is now living with his sister’s family at Luatuanu’u.

He admits that his family doesn’t have much but they work hard.

 “We have access to food and water. Right now we are planning to build another home. I care for my sister’s children and I treat them like my own.”