The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-12-22
Rules for Longevity

Rules for Longevity
A young chap of ninety-two gave a
party the other day to friends and men
he knew. All his guests were more than
ninety years old There are not many of
them left, and he had only half-dozen
guests.
After they had joked awhile, did
stunts as boys will, and told all.the funny
stories they knew, they asked each other
the secret of longevity; what makes men
die early, and lets others live long.
Their answers varied. One man said he
had never tasted liquor, and that was the
secret His neighbor owned to being a
liberal drinker, smoked cigars often, and
drank strong coffee. One man was a
vegetarian; another ate meat with relish.
One man stoutly maintained that the rea-
son he lived so long was that he never
married. The others laughed him to scorn.
But each one thought he knew the secret,
and that his rules for bodily care were the
best.
The fact that they contradicted, how
lever, and observation, convince people
that there are few if any set rules for
longer life. No system will guarantee a
ripe old age. No amount Of bodily care
will take some men beyond the eighty
mark. II seems an age-old, but futile
Quest this search for the fountain of
youth.
1t is natural to want to live long. No
matter how bleak our lives we fancy that
the future holds something better for us,
and that the worst is past. Nobody in
his right mind wants to die. 1t is more
natural to want to live long than to live
we'll.
Yet surprisingly few people take the
trouble to follow simple rules, which may
not garantee them four score and ten
years, but without which that age is i'm
possible. Signing for past follies and
vague desire to live long don't work the
miracle. Active, positive steps are neces-
|sary.
1t is, perhaps, best that no set of rules
can be drawn up to fit everybody. We
differ too much for generalization, and too
many factors enter into the matter. The
variety of the thing, and the eternal ques-
ton mark lend spice to our living, and
keeps us from getting in rut.
It also affords moral persuasive effect
If we knew that, barring accidents, we
could follow a certain ten commandments
Of old age, and reach ninety, we would
have less incentive to behave ourselves
We could commit all sorts of sins on the
outside, not touched by these rules, and
feel immune. And that wouldn't do at ALL
But with our rules at variance as they are
now, and with life so uncertain, old age
so difficult to attain, and diease lurking
near, we are swayed by the uncertainty of
living and unconsciously walk a little
straighter. 1t is good that we cannot be
sure of heaven, simply by a negative life
of law-obedience. Positive action is nec-
cessary for all good things.
Each man must be his own judge, critic,
observer and authority to a great extent.
His neighbours life isn't always a sure
guide. Circumstances vary. Men differ.
Living is quite complex. And when rules
for longevity are announced, it is rare that
their generalization can apply to more
than few people, or cover half dozen
cardinal points Of good living.
Many supposed diamond in the
rough" is found, on being scratched, to be
merely pebble in the rough.
Those who worry the least are those