Читать книгу Old Age Deferred. The causes of old age and its postponement by hygienic and therapeutic measures онлайн

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We may also refer to a few instances coming under our own observation. A few years ago one of our confrères at Carlsbad died, 96 years of age. His intellect was perfect, and a few months before his death we had a consultation together about a patient who was 83, at which he gave evidence of a wonderfully clear intelligence. In his behavior toward the fair sex (whom he much admired) he showed a chivalry and gallantry outvying men of half his age. Up to the last he never failed to attend a theatrical performance when there was an operetta or a ballet. There was nothing to prevent his attaining a greater age, but, falling in his room, he contracted a fracture of the femur, followed by pneumonia, which put an end to his medical practice, for this wonderful old man in his advanced years paid his daily visits, which he only intended to cease, as he said, when he reached 100.

A prominent member of the aristocracy of one of the northern countries of Europe, who is at present 90 years old, having been reproached several years ago by his relatives for his amorous advances to the fair sex, gave the answer, “You do not know what it means to be an old man with the body of a young man.” This old man still rides on horseback and still goes shooting. The fact that he looks a handsome man of 60 may be explained on the basis of our above observation.