2943. Taiwan Travels: A mind as sharp as a tack

"A long long time ago," I was starting a conversation to  a 78-year-old man during his birthday celebrations.  His children were educated overseas in the 1960s. "I was born a rich man's son."
"No, not me," he did not elaborate.
In those days long time ago, many Malaysians were poor and yet he got his children educated in Australia and Canada.

He may be old in years but his mind is as sharp as a tack when I asked him which address would his elder daughter be staying 50 years ago, since he had shifted house 3 times. His daughter was less than 50 and so he would have to think.

"She was not even born then," he said.
"You have long term memory," I was glad that he had no signs of dementia.    
This is a man old in years but his mind is as sharp as a tack. His elder daughter orgainised a surprise early birthday celebration and I was to keep it secret. He would know, I told the daughter. His mind is as sharp as a tack.