Thoughts on a quote

A quote on page 19 kind of stood out to me. "Then live a long time and take care of yourself," The old man said this to the boy right before they were about to eat. I feel as if the old man were to tell this to one of his wives during the time and this could either be a secret message to one of them or maybe he is just saying go on and live without me like he is accepting death...


Just an idea and i really have no clue if its right or wrong

I also noticed this quote and I took it as the old man thinks that he will not be around much longer and this is his way of warning the boy.