Secret of Long Life.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 64

Secret of Long Life.

—You May Exceed the Threc-scc'-o-and-Ten.— An exceedingly interesting lecture, delivered by Sir Hermann Weber, on "Means tor the Prolongation, of Life," is printed in the British Medical Journal. Sir Harmann says that although life is usually limited to 80 years, it may occasionally be prolonged to 100 by carefully studying particular internal and external agencies. Having examined the records cf over 100 cases of very long-lived persons, the lecturer discovered the majority of them were temperate, ate very little meat, lived! much out of doors, were active, and for the most part early- 'risers, and that a great number of them were of a joyful and cheerful disposition.

—Plenty of Exercise. —

Of the different means to prevent earlydecay Sir Hermann selected exercise aa the. most efficacious. Walk-ing daily, in all weathers, should be indulged in ; inspiratory and teri=ion' exc-rcise-s should bo undertaken, and those who live in town should try to get one. day out in the country every week. Great moderation in the amount of foodi should be- practiced if old age i 3 desired. Tompe-ranoe in all things if, advocated. A little tobacco, a small quantity of wine or whisky, is to mo^t persons not injurious — ■ to some ever useful.

Equally important with the organs, circulation, and digestion is th© nervous system. The brain often decays from tho want of mental work, and men uho retire early from business frequently are overcome with -ncarincps and dejection. Active habits should be- maintained, and an endeavour should b© made to cultivate cheerfulness and a placid mind.

—The Daily Round.— Summing up, the lecturer conveyed the points of his advice in a few sentences: Moderation in eating, drinking, and physical indulgence. Pure air out of tho house and within. Re-gular exerciso every day in all weathers. Going to bed early and rising early, and restricting th© hours of sleet) to six or seven hours.

Daily baths, cold or warm, or warm followed by cold. Regular work and m-ental occupation. Cultivation of placidity. Employment of th© great power of the mind in controlling passions and nervousfear.

Strengthening th© will in carrying out whatever is- useful.