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1. For elderly individuals who are obese, exposure to summer heat may cause a sensation of burning fire within the abdomen, profuse sweating over the whole body, and intense thirst and irritability in the heart (Shen). If they suddenly encounter cold drinks made of ice or snow and drink them to excess, then lie down in the coolness, long-term stagnation of food will occur. In autumn, they will either suffer from malaria (Nue) or dysentery (Li).

2. Elderly obese individuals should not ride horses due to the risk of falling. Appropriate seating devices should be provided to ensure stability and prevent accidents.

3. Dim vision and deafness in the elderly are caused by the decline of Kidney Water (Jin-Ye of the Kidney) and the flourishing of Heart Fire (Xin Huo). If strong tonification is applied, Kidney Water will become even more depleted, and Heart Fire will become even more excessive.

4. Kidney deficiency leading to weakness and frequent nocturia in the elderly occurs because the Kidneys govern the lower limbs; when Kidney Water is deficient and Fire fails to descend, the legs become flaccid. When Heart Fire ascends to invade the Lungs instead of descending into the Bladder (Pao), nocturia increases. Strong tonification would cause Fire to ascend further, rendering the Bladder cold.

5. Wheezing and coughing in the elderly result from Fire pathogenic factors attacking the Lungs. Warm tonification will exacerbate the condition, while strong tonification poses a critical danger.

6. For elderly individuals with dryness and constipation of the Zang-Fu organs, frequent consumption of pig blood or mutton blood, or soups containing Malva verticillata (Kui Cai) and blood offal, can help promote bowel movement and relieve obstruction.

7. Elderly individuals can frequently consume Apricot Kernel Decoction: apricot kernels (Xing Ren) peeled and stir-fried, along with hemp seeds (Huo Ma Ren) and sesame seeds (Zhi Ma), boiled as a decoction. This also aids in promoting bowel movement.

The Classics state: "From the Son of Heaven to the common people, if one lacks consistency in filial piety yet worries about misfortune befalling them, such a case has never existed." As children, with a pure heart of filial piety and utmost effort in serving parents, there is no reason for failure in consistency. The only difference lies in the abundance of support, which is limited by wealth or poverty. Those in high status and wealth who are lavish towards themselves but stingy towards their parents are despised by people and rejected by Heaven; though wealthy, they are essentially poor and lowly. Those in poverty and low status who restrain themselves to provide abundantly for their parents are admired by people and assisted by Heaven; though poor, they are essentially wealthy and noble. Good deeds bring a hundred blessings, while bad deeds bring a hundred disasters. Among all good deeds, none is greater than filial piety. Filial piety moves Heaven, so Heaven grants fortune; thus, even in poverty, one is like being in wealth. Among all sins, none is greater than unfilial conduct. Unfilial conduct angers Heaven, so Heaven brings disaster; thus, even in wealth, one is like being in poverty. The retribution of good and evil is as certain as shadows following forms and echoes responding to sounds. Can children fail to believe this?

The way to serve parents does not depend on daily offerings of beef, mutton, and pork, but on accommodating parents' dispositions, fulfilling filial duty, and providing according to one's means. This aligns with the principle of Heaven. Wealthy families must not neglect the elderly but should strictly follow geriatric care methods and strive to implement them. Poor families, despite having the intention to care for the elderly but lacking the financial means, should do their best according to their economic situation, observe proper rituals with simple utensils, and let the elderly know that their children have exerted all possible effort. It is believed that filial sincerity will move spiritual forces, bringing silent protection, just as Jiang Shi’s carp leaped out of the well and Meng Zong’s tears caused bamboo shoots to grow. These are all results of filial piety moving heaven and earth, serving as verification of filial conduct.

Considering that filial sons and grandsons might face destitution preventing them from following these methods, causing inner dissatisfaction, I established this discourse on the fortune and misfortune associated with wealth and poverty to balance their minds.