Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-29
CARE OF AGED PERSONS.
HOW TO LIFT THEM OVER LIES
ROUGH PLACES.

The First Physical Changes Noticeable as
the Years Glide Swiftly by-A Physi-
clans Ideas Concerning Diet and Medi-
neutrality-suspicious.
There appears good reason for considering
old age second childhood" The develop
ment seen in childhood during the frs. five
years isreversed, though more gradually in
those who live to be over 50 years old
Among the most noticeable changes is vast
ing, first, of the least essential part of the
body-fat. As that disappears shriveled
appearance of the aged subject is the result:
the face becomes deeply wrinkled, the hands
bony and the limbs shrunken Then the mus
cular tissue is slowly absorbed, and the
process is accompanied by loss Of strength,
which, however, is less noticeable by reason
OF the previous reduction in weight. Oc-
casionally we note in very aged people
that the powers of the mental faculties are
retained in wonderful degree. but in the
majority of cases they are more or less i'm.
paired, and the subjects become capricious
exacting, and, in fact, childish. The feeble
ness CT mental power is due to wasting of the
brain. AS has been said, the memory goes
first, especially the recollection of recent
events Far off renlembrances of early days
and those of middle life come UP almost as
freshly as ever; but what happened yester-
day, or even to-day, is easily forgotten. The
power to reason closely, or to give attention
very long to one subject, next gives way. We
need not dwell on the dimness of sight and
| dullness of hearing which are among the
usual, but not universal infrmities Of age
In eli these particulars there is very great
variety in individuals. Some of those who
live the longest retain till the last more of
| their original mental capacity, with good
sight, hearing and muscular strength, than
those whose life energy is exhausted not
much after the end of four score years.
POWERS OF DIGESTION.
The care Of the aged is a subject which
must concern all, although to some of us the
time when we Shall need the application of
correct management may seem afar off. 1t
Is easy to reason ont the most imperative
needs. We know that the powers of diges-
ton must necessarily be weaker at 20 than III
early life; hence the Importance of correct
dletetic regimen. Food must be taken
oftener and less in amount at each feeding
After person has reached the age inst
stated, he should take food four times Clay
until he Is 80 years old; then, for the next
ten years that be lives five meals each day
are none too many, and his food should be
simple and easily digested. There are very
few people near the age of 80 who have
many sound teeth; therefore, during the
years which follow their loss, unless false
can be worn, their diet should be LIQUID, and
made up largely of milk. Beef tea, and
fluid extracts of beef, properly prepared, are
of great assistance in feeding the aged
After three score years and ten have been
reached, earlier if it appears necessary, it
will be well to commence the use of stimu-
lants 1t cannot be denied that by the Judi
cious administration of alcohol to the aged
better health and longer life ere promoted
Of course, it must be wisely given, or, instead
Of benefit, it will prove an injury The
question naturally arises what quantity may
be safely allowed and only good follow its
use: No rule applicable alike in all cases
can be given; each case must be studied, and
the estimate made on individual needs. In a
general way, it may be said that when de-
cline in the vital powers, in consequence of
old age, is reached, be it at the age OF %. 90,
OF later, use of stimulants may properly COM
mence. If the subject has been habituated
quantity allowed him may be greater,
but if he has lived temperate life, a
teaspoonful of whisky or brandy, or a
dessertspoonful of the stronger wines.
sherry, etc, may be properly given before
his meals. Alcohol will improve his appe~
tite, stimulate digestion and quicken circula-
ton, As he declines in life, and his strength
fails, the quantity will need to be increased
somewhat. The conservative reader will
kindly understand us, that we advise alcohol
in old age as an accessory food Not only
would we discourage its use for any other
purpose, unless it be medicinal, but We most
emphatically condemn it. Give the old man
OF woman regular Goses of teaspoonful or
more if needed, Of whisky, or some stimu-
liant equally as strong, or the equivalent in
wines, and he or she will be better for it,
and, we doubt not, will live to greater age.
MORE HOURS OF SLEEP.
The younger child the more hours of
sleep it needs. In declining life the number
Of hours in bed must be progressively m
creased Old people, as a rule are more or
less wakeful; few among them sleep SO many
hours continuously as those who are younger
AT least eight hours of the twenty-four
should be passed in bed by every one who
has reached his Goth year. After 20, nine
hours should be passed in the same way: