Part 4

All mixtures of food upon the stomach are bad: and there is not a greater error in an old person than to eat of many dishes at one meal. He must not deceive himself by arguing that they all are innocent: for two things of known qualities will often, on mixing, produce a third that is perfectly different from them both: and these are dangerous trials in an aged person’s stomach.

Right management in these articles is nearly as important as a right choice. A regularity of eating is the next care to the selecting proper food; and fixing on a right quantity.

CHAP. V.

Of air for elderly persons.

Nothing contributes more to health and long life than pure and good air: but by pure we are not to understand bleak; nor are aged persons at any time to chuse that kind.

It is strange so many should live to a great age in London, where the air has neither of these characters; where we breathe smoke, and the mixt stench of a thousand putrifying substances; which cannot evaporate through the thick and foul atmosphere of the place.

But though none will question the superior excellence of a clear country air, yet let not him who has attained to a healthy three-score and ten in London, think of leaving it, as a way to continue his days to a longer period. They say use is second nature. It really becomes nature itself: and bad things, to which an old man has been very long accustomed, are often better than sudden changes. It is well known, that many who have reached an uncommon date of life, have perished at last by a rash alteration in their food: and ’tis certain the air is scarce of less consequence.

He who would extend the period, and encrease the healthy condition of his days by a country air, should begin at an earlier time: when his constitution can better bear the alteration.

In regard to a choice of air, the reason we declare against that which is too bleak is plain; for bleak and cold are always found together. Cold air chills the blood; and in old men we want rather to warm it. This sharp air is natural at the tops of hills: and such situations all old men should avoid.

On the contrary, the mildest air of the country is that of vallies; sheltered by rising grounds: but this is usually damp; and more mischief may therefore arise from it than good.

The choice rests solely then upon a gentle ascent: the best place of all is toward the bottom of a piece of ground, which does not in any part rise to a very great height: and if there be a running water at the lowest part, it is so far perfect.

More than this should be consulted for the country residence of the aged man, or of any who would live to be aged. The soil is of vast consequence; and so is the exposure. A clayey bottom must be avoided; because it is always cold; and the air about it consequently raw, and damp. Rains cannot get thro’ it, and they lodge till they are evaporated; chilling the ground, and loading the air with their fatal moisture.

A clean gravel is the best soil of all. The air over this is always warm, and naturally dry; for rain soaks through it.

The north and north-east winds are the worst for old men: therefore let them shelter themselves from these by a proper choice of situation. Let the descent of the ground face the south-west; and then the natural rise behind will keep off the bleak and sharp air from the opposite quarters. This may be assisted also by plantations of trees: and thus the true seat of health and pleasure may be established; so far as these great points concern them.

He is happy who has made such a choice in time: and he’s still happier who finds himself now in good time to make it. The later such a residence is chosen, the more carefully and gradually must the owner accustom himself to it: first in summer; and by degrees; and at times, at other periods of the year. An air thus chosen, will then assist in all the great articles of health which age wants; appetite, digestion, and a free circulation.

Exercise will be easy; and it will be always pleasant in such a spot: but let this also be under the regulation of good sense. Nothing is better than walking; but let not the old man do himself more hurt, by a rash and careless indulgence in this point, than it can do him service.

Let him never enjoy the air but when it is in a condition to do him good; nor venture upon the ground but when it is fit for his feet.

No country house is without a garden; and the best part of this will be a good smooth gravel walk. Let this be open to the south-west, and well defended from the dangerous quarters. Let it be laid tolerably round, that the water may not lodge; and let it be kept well rolled, hard, and even.

In very favourable weather he may walk in pathways in the fields: but in such as is not so fair, this garden-walk will be highly useful: but let him never come upon it till the dew is off the grass; and let the setting sun be the last object he sees there: even in the best weather.

The air of early morning and of late evening are both cold and unwholesome; but some hours of the foremost part of the day, passed constantly on such a walk, will add many years to life; and what is much better, will give health with them.

CHAP. VI.

Of exercise for old men.

Air has led us to mention already the first of exercises, which is walking; and for those who have strength to indulge themselves in this, there is none better: but feeble limbs, and various accidents, often deny its use to those who most of all want motion.

In this case, riding on horseback is the next in excellence: and the fittest hours of the day must be chosen for that, in the same manner as for the other. In severe weather it will be necessary to ride under shelter; and at all times to avoid damp or bleak places.

Many diversions afford also excellent exercise: bowling is one: but the same care must be taken, that this be done at a proper time.

A chariot may supply the place of a horse, to such as are more feeble; and for those who are so weak as to find even this too much, there will arise a great deal of good from being driven along in those chairs which are made to run upon gravel walks.

To such as are fond of gardening, nothing affords so happy, or so constant exercise. We do not mean that they should dig, or weed the ground: but to use such employment as will give exercise without labour; and such as no hand will so well perform as that of the master.

Such are the trimming of shrubs, and flowering plants; the management of espaliers, the removal of seedling flower-roots; the thinning of fruit upon the trees; and the following and overlooking the other several works. Here will at least be more, and brisker walking than would be otherwise; and in many things the little use that is made of the hands will complete that exercise, by continuing it perfectly through the body.