The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

It’s one of those questions that really makes you stop and think. The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, at least not for me. My thoughts on living a very long life really depend on a few things—how long are we talking, how healthy I’d be, and, most importantly, what I’d be doing with those extra years.

If I had the choice, I wouldn’t want to live forever. There’s a limit to everything, and what matters more to me is the quality of life rather than the quantity. If I’m healthy, active, and still capable of contributing to the lives of those I love, then sure, I’d welcome the opportunity. But if I’m stuck feeling unwell, unable to move around or do the things that matter to me, I’d see no point in dragging it out. Life, to me, isn’t just about existing—it’s about living with purpose.

One thing I know for sure is that I’d want to see my children fully settled. That’s what drives so much of what I do. I want to see them married, building lives of their own, and having families. The idea of being a grandad is something I hold close to my heart—spoiling my grandkids, telling them stories, and just soaking up the kind of love and chaos only grandchildren can bring. That, to me, would make it all worthwhile.

But it’s not just about family milestones. I’d love to travel more. There’s so much of the world I haven’t seen, and I’d want to explore it while I still can. Whether it’s experiencing different cultures, tasting new cuisines, or simply standing in awe of the world’s beauty, travel feels like one of those things that never loses its magic. I’ve always believed that life is made up of moments, and the more of those moments you can collect, the richer it feels.

At the same time, I’d want to leave behind something meaningful. Legacy is important to me—not in the sense of fame or wealth, but in terms of helping the people I care about. I’ve worked hard all my life, and I know what it’s like to struggle. If I could, I’d want to leave my children and relatives something that gives them a solid start. A property, perhaps, so they have a foundation to build on. I’d want to invest in their futures, not just financially but by teaching them to be resilient and self-sufficient.

Charity is another thing I’d want to focus on. I’ve always believed in giving back and doing what I can to help others. If I had those extra years, I’d want to leave the world in a slightly better place than I found it. That’s something I’d want my children and future grandchildren to carry forward too—a sense of responsibility to others, and an understanding that life is about more than just looking after yourself.

I also think about faith when it comes to these kinds of questions. As a Muslim, I believe in the Hereafter, and that shapes how I view this life. No matter how long I live, this world is temporary. It’s a place for tests and trials, and while I’d love to stick around to see certain things, I know that the best is yet to come. That belief gives me peace. It reminds me that life isn’t about holding on but about preparing for what’s next.

Beyond that, I’d leave it in Allah’s hands. After all, He knows what’s best for me, in this life and the next.