The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-04-08
GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY.

L Hat VIC must grow OlQ IS 1OreROne
conclusion. That to grow old is a
misfortune, calamity, something to
be regarded with dread, and postponed
by every possible agency, is general
ly received article of belief. The high
est compliment in the current coin of
conversation is the expression of friend
to friend, Chow young you are
looking You do not change in the
least with the years. Time passes you
by without touch p
In these days there are all sorts OF
prescriptions for the removal of wrinkles
and the conquest of crows feet.
Women are advised to try this method
and the other, whereby their beauty
may be preserved and their youthful
charms continued. Bathing, cosmetics,
massage, dozen remedies are pressed
upon the notice of the women who
has arrived at that intangible outlying
boundary which separates the morning
of life from its MONDAY hour.
Men are popularly supposed to be
indifferent to the entertainments of the
years. AT least they are not lombard
ed with counsels as to the best way IN
which to save their bloom and retard
the progress of gray hairs. The reason
for this difference of sentiment toward
age between the sexes is doubtless
found in the fact that, tradltionally,
men are the money. earners, and women
the money spenders-that these must
be beautiful, those merely useful.
Putting it broadly, this Is still the
conservative theory, not in the large
survey supported existing facts, since
thousands of women by earn as well as
spend, and an increased number of
women are becoming independent
members of society, practising arts and
professions, and dignifying work by a
noble acceptance of Its obligations.
But men, it is claimed, may be interest
ing, wise, magnetic, full of various
learning and various resource, while
lacking in personal beauty and women
it Is asserted, require the latter, or what
stands for tbe latter, even if their stock
of all the former be suited to meet life S
multiform demands.
The implication is, moreover, that
youth and beauty are invariably synony
nous.
We are inclined to question both
opinions, Men, so far as our observa
ton has gone. are as jealous of advanc
Ing age as women are, and equally with
women Geprecste whatever indicates a
failing of strength, loss in any direc.
ton OF elasticity, physical or intellec-
tual, and the coming of that period
when the sceptre shall pass from them
to their juniors. Men equally with
women desire to sbe pleasing, and
regret the wane OF the qualities which
make them so.
And that youth and beauty are
synonymous we fatty deny. There is
the beauty of the blossom, and the
beauty of the ripened fruit. There is
the misty radiance OF the morning, the
golden glow of the noontide, the
roseate tenderness of the nlghtfali.
Each in its time and place is crowned
with its own beauty.
A beautiful woman may be of any
age from eighteen to eighty. In the
distinguishing analysis, it is personality
which confers true beauty. The shade
may be exquisite, but it is the lamp
within 1t which confers glory on the
shade.
How shall we, men and women alike
grow old with grace2 Certainly not
by frantic fight with the breakers of
that insurging sea of the eternal against
which time builds so frall a barrier
Certainly not by pastes and powders
and creams and lotions applied ever so
perseveringly. Certainly not by a
parade of coquetry, and assumption OF
juvenility, which deceives nobody and
provokes comparisons that are humiliat
ing
A frank acceptance of conditions be-
yond our power 10 change Is the first
step toward the gracious and therefore
graceful entry into the land cf middle
age.
Another step is one not difficult to
take, and recommended by common
sense. The care OF health, by all
discreet means, especially through
alternating work and rest, is essential
to happily growing old. Never be an
invalid if you can help yourself is the
dictate OF reason. Live temperately,
moderately; avoid excessive emotion
and needless irration. Do not worry.
Worry writes wrinkles on the brow
years before such inscriptions should
mar its smoothness.
A third and very important step il
growing old gracefully lies in the direc
ton of ones sympathies. Live with the
young, and be of, not outside of, them
Cultivate interest in their pursuits, and
be patient with their crudity, which i:
only unripeness, and which sometime:
makes them trying TO their seniors.
And lastly, as the sermons say, le
the person who would grow old grace
fully keep in touch with the world by
always learning something new. The
changeful character of everything
earthly makes it imperative that WE
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