e given to all old
people as soon as they are unable to care for themselves, and thought
should be given to adapting their surroundings and ways of living to
their strength and needs, just as they should be adapted to the strength
and needs of chronic patients. But a warning should be given against
managing old people too much. It is hard for people who have managed
their own lives successfully for many years to be managed, even for
their own good. Indeed, it is questionable kindness to deprive old
people of all freedom of action, even if following their own
inclinations occasionally has disastrous results. Few persons would wish
to prolong their lives if long life involved being thwarted in every
desire, and sometimes real kindness consists in allowing old people to
do certain things that are not good for them. Keeping them warm and
letting them do as they please will go far to make old people happy.

Many of the changes in old age reverse the developing process of
childhood. In youth and age extremes meet, and the care of the aged
presents certain marked similarities to the care of little children.
Both require simple food, occupations suited to their strength, and
protection from infections, from fatigue, and from nervous strain; both
are dependent, more or less helpless, and for their happiness both need
the affectionate care of their own families. But in one respect their
needs are fundamentally different. In childhood formation of proper
habits is all important, and in caring for children the future effect of
every word and act must be taken into consideration. Old people, on the
other hand, since they live largely in the past and their habits are
irrevocably formed, may be indulged without harm in ways that would
demoralize a child; with a clear conscience one may make them happy in
ways both great and small. This difference makes possible one of the
greatest pleasures that come to one who cares for the helpless and the
sick, for of all enduring satisfactions few are greater than the power
to fill with comfort and happiness the closing days of life.

EXERCISES

1. What is meant by a physical defect? Name some of the most common
defects.

2. Name some permanent injuries to the body caused by defective teeth;
by diseased or enlarged tonsils and adenoids; by faulty posture.

3. Describe some common symptoms of eye strain in children; of enlarged
tonsils and adenoids; of deafness.

4. Name several possible c