Ask a 97 year old Mumsnet fan

[Pebbles16]

My 97 year old great aunt is a fan of Mumsnet and has asked me to post. Warning: she will likely be in bed by 9.30
Me: should we do this in the am?
GA: No, if people ask ?s overnight, it will give us something to do...

Hey ho
So, some background to my GA: she was born in Shanghai; was interned in WW2; lived in the Far East until 1970 when she was widowed. Moved to the UK and HAS NEVER adjusted to the weather; this summer is the only time she's mentioned "it's a bit warm".
She has learned multiple languages over the years.
Did not have children (likely as a result of the prison camp conditions).
Spent most of her life advocating for children affected by war.
Cheats at most board games.
Mocks my tolerance to chillies.

So, ask us anything!

What’s her secret to living to 97?

What does she think the biggest change she’s lived through is? My husband’s grandmother is 99 and she thinks the internet and how it’s hugely changed society

Edit- and what’s her favourite part of mumsnet, is she partial to AIBU?

Tell her she’s amazing

What is her biggest words of wisdom to a woman less than half her age?

How marvellous, she sounds like someone who has had a full and interesting life. I’d like to know which sections of MN GA enjoys the most?

She sounds great! What languages does she speak and where/why did she learn them?

What's her favourite dinner?

What’s her idea of a perfect day?

What does she wish spent more time doing?

What would be your top tip for preparing for old age?

What made you happiest?

Thank you!

She’s amazing. I admire her so much for dedicating her life to children xx

I feel like society at the moment collectively fears climate change and nuclear war.

what does she fear on a global scale? Had that changed, and what did society fear when she was younger?

I often wonder if societies fears over the decades have come true or been replaced by new things

Was her family from China or had they emigrated there?
Any food she misses from her home country or can she now buy most things in the UK?

Uf she could go back in time and change the outcome of one historical event that she lived through, what would it be and why?

Having fun... and a "good bit of what you fancy"
!! are mine

Will she adopt me? She sounds amazing!!!

Is she an Archers fan?

Did she ever have any pets?

Absolutely agrees the internet because she can keep in touch with her friends from all over the world.

AIBU - I asked (I know the answer): yes, because everyone seems so het up about EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME (like that film with the fingers - Everything All AQt Once Everywhere). In her words: "there's a lot of good thrashing things out, but sometimes you don't need to ask the world because it makes you so agitated when they don't agree with you"

What does GA eat ? Give her these 💐

"Be yourself because no one else will"

She's been telling me this for years! Still fail on it.

Anything with a good argument.

This is the most excellent AMA.

Does your GA sleep through the night?

Would like think in my older years I have that to look forward to.

Has she paid for the full half hour argument?
Not the economy gainsaying.
I will look it up later . .

Languages (she can pick them up at the drop of a hat):
English (mother tongue)
Chinese (from her nanny)
Malay (as above)
French (a "good girl's education")
Japanese (in camp)
Dutch (in camp)
Vietnamese (she was very involved with the late 70s migration)
She can swear and order coffee/beer in multiple others "because that's the best way to be credible as a lone woman"

Favourite dinner...pho

When she dreams about herself is she young or is she older? Incredible 97 amazing x

Which part of her life does she remember the most? And which would she go back to, if she could?