Favorable to Longevity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 17, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 33.

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Favorable to Longevity

Most writers, ancient and modern, agree on the following circumstances as favorable to longevity:—

1. To be born of healthy, long-lived parents.

(Or if born of sickly, short-lived parents, to determine to conquer the disadvantage by systematic hygiene.)

2. To live in the temperate zones.

3. To live in the country, and much in the open air.

4. To be accustomed to daily labor.

5. To be temperate in eating and drinking.

To which may be added these ten commandments of hygiene from a French medical review:—

1. Rise early, retire early, fill your day with work.

2. Water and bread maintain life; pure air and sunshine are necessary to life.

3. Cleanliness prevents rust; the best-cared-for machine lasts the longest.

4. Practise frugality and sobriety.

5. Enough sleep repairs waste and strengthens; too much softens and enfeebles.

6. To be sensibly dressed, with freedom of movements and sufficient warmth.

7. A clean and cheerful house makes a happy home.

8. The mind is refreshed and invigorated by distractions and amusements, but abuse of them leads to dissipation, and dissipation to vice.

9. Cheerfulness makes love of life, and love of life is half of health. Sadness and discouragement hasten old age.

10. Do you gain your living by your intellect? Then do not allow your arms and legs to grow stiff. Do you earn your bread by your pick-ax? Do not forget to cultivate your mind.—Equitable Record.