Life is tough. 

But it is meant to be that way to challenge us to get better.

That’s what Maota Lopati, 84-year-old mother and grandmother from the village of Sa’anapu-tai, believes.

Looking at what’s happening today, the mother of eight is particularly concerned about the increasing cost of living.

“Back in the days we usually bought most of the goods for 50sene, but as you can see nowadays, that’s not the case anymore,” she said.

“Most people are buying on credit everyday to survive, and that’s the truth if we talk about  the hard life, most of our people are struggling from day to day.

 “To be honest, all families in Samoa are struggling and my one is no exception.”

But hard work and never giving up is the key.

What do you think of today’s development in our country?

“I think the government is focusing more on development which is okay.

“But I think there is a need to create more jobs. This is the most important thing they need to look at.

Maota beleives that leading by example is very important.

“We have to set good examples,” she said. “I’ve done that with my children.

“As you can see, this is my life everyday, tidy up the house, pick up the rubbish outside the house, cooking...I mean everything.

She also wants to stay active and healthy.

“As I’ve mentioned before I have eight children and they’ve all grown up raising their own families. I wish for them to succeed in everything they do.”

She understands that old people are never too old to exercise.

“That’s true,” she happily said.

“You know back in those days we never had many types of equipment to do chores, cut the grass so we mainly used our old tools – hands.

“That’s the life we were brought up with, we exercise in doing a lot of chores and helping out to our parents.”

How is life in the village for Maota? 

She told the Village Voice that “village life is awesome.”

“In our village, everyone lives in beautiful and natural surroundings; there is land to work on to provide food and to take care of our family and church.

 “We live together as one family, we share our views together for the good of others especially the future of our children.”