Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-02-05
HOMEMAKERS COLUMN.
Correspondence on topics of interest to the adiee
Is solicited. Address Editor H0MEMAKERs'
COLUMN, Oxford Democrat, Paris. Maine.
THE PROPER DIET FOR ELDERLY
PEOPLE.

THE PROPER DIET FOR ELDERLY
PEOPLE.
We talk q great deal about securing a
sound mind In a sound body, knowing
well that mental and physical health are
inseparable, but how to retain the health
throughout the whole of life we do not
sufficiently study. There is no wealth
or luxury on earth that can make up for
the loss Of health. Longevity has come
to be looked upon as one of the prizes OF
life, but in acquiring it we want also to
make old age as happy and comfortable
as any other age.
In the introduction to his work OF
"Human Longevity" Easton says, ut is
not the rich or great who become old,
but such as use much exercise and are
exposed to the fresh air, and whose food
Is plain and moderate"
1.-THE habit of temperance in food,
Sleep" are other characteristics given
by another writer on this subject, who
also says this: Zone fact connected with
advanced life is too often neglected; 1t
should never be forgotten that, while
the forces in USE at that period are
easily exhausted, the forces in reserve
are often so slight as to be unable to
meet the smallest demand.
1t Is important to bear this in mind
when laying down rules with regard to
the diet of the aged.
Let US now consider the kind Of food
best adapted to suit those who have
passed, say, the sixth decade.
As at this period there is diminish
ing in the elasticity of the arteries, they
supply feebler blood current, the d.
gestive powers are lower, and the appe'
title becomes smaller. This last, being
one of natures signals, must be taken
as warming; the fires should neither be
stimulated nor choked with too much
fuel. Fewer meals are necessary, and
the amount of food taken at each should
be reduced, while care is taken to have
it of light and easily digested character
Variety should be sought for rather In
the mode of cooking and the setting
forth of the meals than in the meals
themselves. Special daintiness should
mark the table or the tray put before an
old person; carefulness of this sort will
be worth all the stimulants and appe'
Tiers ever invented.
Whatever acts as an irritant to the
stomach is to be avoided, as alcohol
| (save at such times as it Is expressly
prescribed) acids, strong condiments,
and sauces.
Bread should be toasted whenever
possible, as by doing this the starch Is
converted into sugar, and already partly
digested. Cakes, except Of the plainest
description, are not much liked by old
people, and they are little good to them,
but crackers are very good food, indeed
AS there is now such u variety of these,
every fancy may be suited; the reason
why these digest so readily is the same
| which makes toast more desirable than
bread.
Well-cooked oatmeal and wheaton
foods are excellent If eaten slowly, and
with little cream; they are especially
suitable for the last meal Of the day, say
an hour or so before retiring. On the
other hand, if not well cooked, there are
few things more clogging to the diges.
tive organs.
Meat must be we'll and plainly cooked
it is all the better for being minced
small-but meat twice cooked should
never be given to old people. Neither
should they have anything fried, or
made up with rich gravies. Poultry
game and fish all are more easily digest.
ed than meat; the latter is apt to be toe
stimulating, save in small proportion
Well-coOked dry potatoes and greer
vegetables are good, but roots and dried
beans and peas are difficult Of digestion
Vegetable soups and light meat broths
are among the very best of foods for the
old. Rich, thickened meat soups are the
direct opposite.
Milk buildings, cup custards, cream
soft-cooked eggs, and stewed fruits are
the best dessert, and little ripe cheese
eaten with crackers is good, but no pas
try or puddings.
Particular stress is laid on simple
soups, fish, poultry, and eggs, as being
essentially suitable diet; and, next tC
these, oaten foods. Tea not too strong
and cocoa of light kind, are the best
beverages.
In conclusion, word should be said
for what may be called outside helps II
the matter of serving the meals of thu
aged; to take the trouble Of putting 8
bunch of flowers on tray, or to sur
round dish with parsley, may seem
unnecessary, but all these things NEAR
so much to those who are confined tt
few changes, and whose lives are bounc
to be more or less hemmed in within the
walls of their home; moreover, the
pleasure gained by them from the anti
cipation of what little surprise is next ir
store does much to help dull days along
if it does nothing more.-McCall's Maya
zine.