| THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY IN THOSE OF ADVANCING YEARS. III. |
By J. MADISON TAYLOR, A.M., M.D.,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
How to Postpone the Degenerative Effects of Old Age.
A REVIEW of the foregoing phenomena of advancing years points clearly to the line upon which these may be in part controlled or delayed. It is not to be expected that we can secure the cooperation of most, or indeed many, people in pursuing preventive measures. If that were possible, and when it is possible, great things could be accomplished. However, certain principles obtain here which should be outlined so that whosoever may see fit to do so can follow these suggestions to their advantage. It will be found that the evidence of those who have studied this subject most carefully shows that normal bodily exercises are not to be forbidden, but rather encouraged. Per contra, if bodily activities are not pursued there must inevitably follow much more rapid retrograde changes in all the tissues. In respect to the diet it is universally admitted that after middle life the amount of food taken should be less than before that time and the changes in diet should be rather to use less of the structure-forming materials, though not always to exclude them. Again there should be used relatively little, indeed as little as possible, of stimulating articles of food, which make more for acceptability than necessity. In short, the simple rule should be observed of eating no more than, a perfectly normal appetite craves, and as little as possible of those things taken because they are agreeable. As the period of old age is reached, by which is meant about seventy years, the regimen should be markedly simplified and always taken with the greatest deliberation. A general rule is recognized to obtain in most cases, that the more nearly the diet is reduced to bread and milk and fruits the longer will the person live and enjoy good health. It must be borne in mind, however, that exceptions will occur, and where the strength is being rapidly lost from any cause it is wise to increase the variety and encourage food taking until the strength is restored to the normal for the age reached. The digestive processes, as well as all the processes, are slower in advancing years.
Some persons can get along best with long intervals between feeding; others, the majority, do better by taking small amounts of food at short intervals. The evacuations appear lacking in activity and must be encouraged by rational measures, but not forced by purgative or strongly diuretic drugs. This is best met by suitable articles of
