Even at the age of 59 where many retirees choose to relax, she instead works in her cassava plantation, backyard gardening, cattle farm and piggery farm.

Retired Nurse Merenaisi Maopa Nainima. Photo: Shratika Naidu.

Once a nurse, you are forever a nurse, says Merenaisi Maopa Nainima.

Ms Nainima, a retired nurse spends her time advocating a healthy living and eating lifestyle to the people at Naseakula Village in Labasa.

Even at the age of 59 where many retirees choose to relax, she instead works in her cassava plantation, backyard gardening, cattle farm and piggery farm.

The mother-of-four with one grandson said people easily learnt from observing each others lifestyle than listening to long lectures and speeches.

When I was working for 33 years I worked as a midwife, operating theatre nurse, public health, general nurse and psychiatric nurse, Ms Nainima said.

I retired in 2015. Then in 2017 I went to Tuvalu Island to work as a midwife for two years at Princess Margaret Hospital.

After my working experience at Tuvalu I have learnt that Fiji is very much advanced in terms of nursing education, experience, theory and clinical services.

Ms Nainima is the fourth eldest of eight siblings originally from Naqumu Village in the Macuata Province.

My advice to the retired nurses is to continue with the life of a nurse because we have nursing at heart.

They can look after the community where they are in and continue with the awareness.

I am a born again Christian and my lifestyle is different, the granddaughter of the late Tui Labasa Ratu Kinijoji Drauna said.

I look after myself well.

I pray more, do fasting and implement things around the house like I make sure we eat healthy food and keep the house clean.

I have cared for my family members who suffered from non-communicable diseases and I know how hard it can be.

Many died early and I dont want my present family members to suffer.

So while my actions are credible, I believe it will speak louder.

She accredits all her success to God who has never failed her.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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Retired Nurse Advocates On Healthy Living Lifestyle - Fiji Sun Online