Huntsville gazette., 1882-12-30
The Aged.

1t is very difficult for those of us who
have passed the s.landmark" of s'three-
score years. to fully appreciate the i'm
that we are-at least, physically-break-
ing down, losing most of the vivacity
and vigor of youth. We no more Ger
tainly increase in strength, from infancy
to manhood, rising to the highest point
of physical power, than we decline,
again "putting on childhood" When
we pass the dividing line, the life-forces
begin to flag, and we may as well accept
the position. conforming to the changed
condition, and prepare to avoid an un-
necessary violence to our powers, as to
ignore the fact, and take the conse 1uen-
ces. Little by little we recognize an
indisposltion to engage in the less i'm
portant affairs of life, those demanding
the more vigorous efforts, the amuse-
ments, by far preferring the restfulness
of a quiet home. The powers of loco
motion falter, the gait becomes more
and more moderate and assured, as if t.
remind Us that we can not bear the
activities OF youth. The memory is less
and less retentive; it may be to diminish
our cares, serve as check upon our
activities, seeming to say "Do thyself
no harm' Life seems more real, as
sumes more serious aspect, substitut-
ing deep, full, noiseless but powerful
stream for the joyous, ripping, restless
rill of youth.
He is wise who conforms to the
changed condition, reyerently bows to
the Creators fiat, judiciously using his
waning powers, with the same tender
ness and consideration that he would
the weakness of the first childhood
Such are in similar state with the
business man who finds his funds nearly
exhausted, compelled to practice the
most rigid economy
1t is but little less than suicide to
attempt to retain the activity and vivaci-
ty of youth, performing the labors
(physicaD of other days When the
step is more measured, careful and
slower, from natural impulse, it is
worse than folly to attempt to walk as
in early life. If we can not walk four
miles an hour, without undue fatigue, it
is sensible to be content with three, two,
or with a speed that does not fatigue.
All forced speed, all compulsory actiyi-
ty, will prove, must prove. reactionary,
depressing, wasteful of vital force, re-
sulting in premature decay, debility and
death. If waning memory teaches
us that we can not bear the burdens of
other days, the cares, anxieties and per-
plexities of business life, it is iudcious,
nay, a duty, to transfer them to those in
the prime and vigor of life. When
trembling limbs remind us that the
muscles have performed sufficient toll,
it is an imperative duty to seek repose
and reasonable rest. If, in the absence
of the accustomed activity, the blood
ceases to flow with its accustomed
celerity, leaving the extremities cold, it
is judicious, imperative, to heed the
hints, and wear thicker and warmer
boots, supplanting the kid gloves by
sensible wooden mittens.
But the greatest folly, perhaps, is to
| fail to note the fact that the digestive
powers have waned correspondence,
and that, with diminished activity, a
less amount of food is demanded, and
that of simpler character, easier of
digestion. While it is well-known
fact that many, if not most men, who
suddenly retire from active business life,
soon die, it is safe to attribute large
per cent OF these premature deaths to
repletion, plethora, over-taxing the di-
gestiye powers by taking the same food
that might have been appropriate dur
ing the more vigorous period of life.
To fire. over our increasing clumsiness,
to "push," to Compel ourselves to do
what seems a task. is to hurry ourselves
into the grave. Those who would have
a peaceful old age, reasonably free from
sspains and aches,' must "take life
more easily" seeking comfort of mus
cles, brain, nerves and stomach, Golden
Rule.