Library

The elderly, although their physical form and vital qi (Vital Energy) have declined, often retain a strong-willed mind. However, they cannot adapt to changes in time, people, and circumstances to fulfill their desires. Even if their living conditions are warm and sufficient, they often feel inadequate internally. Consequently, they tend to be anxious, stubborn, prone to sudden anger or joy, and their temperament is unstable. They should be treated like children; care must be entirely focused on observing their expressions and accommodating their wishes. Servants and descendants must be strictly warned not to disobey them. If they become angry, it can lead to weakness in blood and qi, and disharmony of the Middle Jiao Qi (Qi of the middle burner). Forcing food intake under such conditions may result in illness. This requires deep understanding and careful attention.

One should always keep someone accompanying the elderly; they must not be allowed to sit alone or sleep in isolation. Because the elderly can be solitary and prone to sentimentality, even a slight sense of loneliness can give rise to depression. The method of caring for the elderly lies in recognizing that every person has inherent preferences based on their lifelong nature, which bring them joy upon seeing them. Some enjoy calligraphy and painting, some enjoy zither and chess, some enjoy gambling games, some enjoy rare treasures, some enjoy birds and beasts, some enjoy antiques, some engage in Buddhist practices, and some practice alchemy. It is impossible to list all eccentric hobbies. One should seek out items they have favored throughout their life, select the finest and purest among them, and place them around them, so that they remain delighted and entertained by playing with these objects. When the elderly are weary and lack mental focus, merely sitting alone at home leads to stagnation and gloom. Seeing their beloved objects naturally engages their mind; daily viewing and playing with them brings self-pleasure. Although fatigue and irritability may occur, they will naturally diminish.

In their declining years, individuals suffer from mental and physical exhaustion, shortness of spirit, and reluctance to engage in any affairs, due to the depletion of blood, qi, sinews, and strength. This relies entirely on the filial support of descendants, who must exert themselves in nursing and protection to avoid unexpected calamities. All activities—walking, standing, sitting, lying down, dining, and daily routines—require cleverly established regulations to assist in entertainment. The resting quarters must always be clean and elegant. In summer, they should be airy and open; in winter, warm and sealed.

The bed for sleeping need not be high or wide. It should be one-third smaller than standard dimensions: low enough for easy ascent and descent, and narrow enough to prevent drafts. Mattresses and bedding must be soft and flat. Screens should be placed on three sides to protect against cold wind. Pillows should be made of double-layered dyed silk, stuffed with chrysanthemum flowers, designed to be low and long: low to prevent drafts entering gaps during sleep, and long to prevent falling off when turning over. Chairs for sitting should resemble low beds, allowing the feet to hang down and touch the ground, facilitating ease of rising and sitting. Railings should be placed on both sides, and a small table in front. Since the elderly often feel drowsy and may fall asleep while sitting, railings prevent injury from rolling sideways.

Clothing should not be overly long or wide. Long clothes cause tripping; wide clothes do not fit the body. Because the elderly have loose bones and cold flesh, making them susceptible to wind-cold invasion, tight-fitting clothing keeps warmth close to the body, promoting smooth blood flow and harmonious limbs. Even in midsummer, exposure should be avoided. The back of the neck and nape should be covered with soft purple double-layered silk, hanging from a headscarf behind the neck, touching the skin, entering the collar, and extending to the interscapular region, to protect the Cou Li (skin texture and pores). Elderly people have thin muscles and sparse Cou Li; if wind pathogen invades the Cou Li, it can lead to serious illness. This must be approached with utmost caution.