Be Thoughtful of the Aged.
ONLY a few weeks since while making a visit at a neighbor’s house, an old lady entered the room and was thus introduced: “This is our auntie, Mrs. Mason, she has come all the way from Wisconsin to see us, and is seventy-nine years old. It isn’t likely that we shall ever see her again.” These consecutive sentences were uttered in the gentlest and tenderest possible tone, but I noticed that the bright cheerful look on the old lady’s face instantly gave place to one of sadness, and was not recovered again during my stay; though I made reply, “that we did not know, she might live much longer,” and then gave instances personally known to me, of healthful and happy persons much older than her aunt. In these remarks on the age of Mrs. Mason, no unkindness was even thought of, and even a feeling of affection was manifested in its utterance. But its extreme thoughtlessness gave me a thrill of pain, which those who have been much with, or observed, aged persons will readily understand. The young and middle aged are absorbed in the pleasures and cares of the present and future of this life, and are generally as much occupied in them as though this life had no end; and, their sympathies thus confined, give little heed to the entirely different circumstances and feelings of the aged, who have passed all the periods of buoyant health and youthful gayety, middle life enjoyment, and come to that period when they no longer feel strong, and independent; and are naturally drawn to lean on those who are strong, and take pleasure and comfort in reviewing and living over again their past life in the constant reminding they have of it in the happy and active lives of their younger friends and acquaintances; and are never so happy as when made to forget their age and its infirmities in the ready sympathy and tact which puts out of sight all reference to their own personalities and makes them feel as if they had a place and an interest in life, which indeed, they have while life and friends remain. The old have many trials and temptations of which the young cannot know, and they merit our sincere reverence, kindest sympathy, tender forbearance and most thoughtful care. Much of the bitterness and querulousness of the aged would be avoided by unselfish regard for their comfort, and indeed, they have a right to demand it from our hands, even when they bear not the tender tie of a near and dear relationship. And we should consider, also, our solemn duty in this respect, and let it take the form of pleasure, rather than of trial and trouble.—Household.