EXERCISE FOR AGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 November 1934, Page 9

EXERCISE FOR AGE

DANGER OF CODDLING Further guidance on the subject of exercise in old age is given in the second part of the special “old age”

number of the “British Journal of Physical Medicine,” says the medical correspondent of the London “Morning Post.” While it is stressed that probably the chief factor in longevity is heredity, much can be done to maintain not only a longer existence than the average, but also an existence which is worth while, individually and socially, by suitable mental and physical exercises and recreations.. Physical exercises are governed’ by one fundamental consideration; early training. Children who have learnt to co-ordinate their muscles by training in games at school are much more easily taught games such as golf, bowls, and even billiards when they

take to these at middle life or later? A second point arises from this; namely, that exercise should never cease throughout life; while more energetic in youth, it should continue all through old age. In order to benefit from any form of outdoor sport, it is urged that daily exercise is necessary. This may take the form a few simple morning gymnastics, while deep breathing and a daily brisk walk are also commended as important. Not only is physical exercise of great value in maintaining efficiency in old age, but mental recreation is also worthy of more serious consideration than is sometimes given. It is recorded that a certain American doctor, finding himself, after a. life-time devoted to “infant welfare work,” more and more up against the obstruction of grandmothers, resolved to strat a clinic for “salvaging old age.” To this “grannies’ clinic” come old people, who are examined physically and psvchologically, furnished with

occupations, and generally refitted for leading useful lives in their declining years. 1 “Too many old people,” runs one of the conclusions reached at this “old age clinic” are subjects of complete boredom, partly from being compulsorily retired from active work and left without hobbies or interests, _ and very largely by over kind relatives, who say they must lie made comfortable, and not allowed to do this and that tor fear of mental and physical fatigue. 'The result is that they are robbed of all independence, Initiative, and interest in life. It is to prevent such an unsatisfactory ending that physical and mental recreation is so essential.