Tolstoy Believes In Simplicity.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19035, 2 April 1930, Page 8

Tolstoy Believes In Simplicity.

Keeping 'Young

Told To Hannah Stein. £*OUNT TOLSTOY, at the age of sixtyseven, has a recipe for a long and happy life. He believes that regular exercising and moderation in diet will go a great way in keeping one healthy and young. “I am as active to-day as I was twenty years ago,” Count Tolstoy said. ‘‘And I feel I have gone only two-thirds of the way. There isn’t any reason why a healthy person shouldn’t live on to a hundred. Meanwhile, I shall try to be as mentally and physically active as I am to-day.” Like his distinguished father, the Count is a very healthy man of middle size. The same keen eyes as the older generation, the lofty brow, and the unshorn beard that varies only slightly from his father’s. ‘‘l believe in simplicity,” Count Tolstoy said. “One shouldn’t go through vigorous exercises because then he is too exhausted to do anything else. Just learn to be moderate in everything you do, and you’ll find how much it will help to keep you in good condition. But, of course, every one should try to learn what suits his personality best. I may be able to walk a good deal, but that isn’t any reason to think that every one else can do the same. Another man may live a very long and healthy life by following a formula of his own. But whatever it is, make a habit of it, don’t neglect it any more than you would your three meals a day.” The Count likes to hike, especially right after dawn. He uses a car only as a last resort. He walks to and from his office, which is a considerable distance. And he says he feels so hale and hearty after a brisk walk, that nothing else could do as much to make him so mentally alert.

“Most people ride too much these days.” he said. “This is an age of efficiency, and the slogan is ‘Speed,’ and then speed some more. Every one seems to be anxious to get to his destination at least a little faster than the other man. So he jumps into his automobile. Then he wonders why he gets fat and bloaty, and why his digestive organs do not function so well.' “The answer is that he sits entirely too much. If he isn’t riding, he is sitting at his desk. Men in this country stay entirely too long at their desks. My opinion is that, if a man exercised properly and then he came to his desk after a brisk walk feeling healthy and vigorous, he would accomplish more in four solid hours of work than in seven. Then he’d have more time to spend outdoors, to hoe his garden or to indulge in one of many exercises that are good for him. “Now, here is another bad condition. Most people over-eat. A man who doesn’t exercise much should cut down on his diet, and he’ll find himself living longer and in better health. I don’t eat nearly as much as people of my age and physique permit themselves. I take plenty fruit and vegetables, and drink quantities of water. I never eat meat, though I don’t urge that others give jt up, too. If taken moderately, it will not hurt. But the trouble is that most people don’t know when they have had enough. And if they want to remain young and healthy up to a ripe old age, let them put on a pair of stout shoes and learn to walk all over again.” .(Copyright.)