As people enter old age, health preservation should focus on exercise, combining both physical activity and rest. In daily life, it is beneficial for the elderly to be "active in speaking" as it promotes cardiovascular health and prolongs life.
Eat small and frequent meals: The digestive and cardiac functions of the elderly are both reduced. Consuming large amounts of food in one sitting can overload the digestive system and heart, which is not conducive to health and can lead to weight gain. Therefore, the elderly should eat smaller meals more frequently, around 4 to 5 meals a day, and only eat until 70-80% full. This is especially important for those with gastric, intestinal, pancreatic, biliary, or cardiac diseases, as well as for obese individuals.
Chew thoroughly: Due to loose or missing teeth, the elderly may have difficulty chewing food into small pieces, which affects nutrient absorption. Therefore, the elderly should chew slowly and thoroughly, as this aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, regular chewing helps maintain dental health and delays the atrophy of facial chewing muscles.
Practice tooth tapping: Tooth tapping is a traditional method of health preservation that is simple, easy to do, and has good effects. According to historical records, more than 1,400 years ago during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, the renowned physician Tao Hongjing had strong and healthy teeth even in his eighties. His main method of keeping fit was tooth tapping. He believed that "teeth are the excess of tendons and bones" and that tooth tapping would strengthen the tendons, bones, and spirit. Emperor Qianlong, who had the longest reign and lifespan among all emperors of the Qing Dynasty, also attributed part of his longevity to "frequent tooth tapping". Therefore, teeth are not only chewing organs but are also closely related to one's health.
Swallow saliva frequently: According to traditional Chinese medicine, frequent swallowing of saliva has the functions of "irrigating the five zang organs and six fu organs, moisturizing the limbs, joints, skin, and hair," enhancing spleen and stomach function, and promoting digestion and absorption. Therefore, it is said that "swallowing saliva prolongs life." The elderly can practice "swallowing saliva exercise" three times a day – in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This involves calming the mind, placing the tongue against the palate, and slowly swallowing the saliva that is produced, repeating this several times.
Engage in conversations: Scientists have conducted experiments on the effects of loneliness on the human body. Test subjects who were isolated from the world for two days showed signs of dullness, numbness, and a significant decrease in coordination and agility. Many studies have also shown that people who lack close friends and rarely participate in social activities have higher rates of illness and shorter lifespans. On the other hand, the elderly who engage in frequent conversations have better physical health. Therefore, the elderly should try to avoid loneliness and silence, and regular conversations with others can broaden their minds, promote blood circulation, and contribute to physical and mental well-being.
Smile often: As the saying goes, "Anger accelerates aging, while laughter rejuvenates youth." Smiling can make a person look ten years younger, while worries can turn one's hair gray. "Hehe" and "haha" can add years to one's life, while sorrows and worries can shorten it. "Laughter cures a hundred ailments, while worries turn one's hair gray." "A smiling face keeps youthfulness." Laughter is the best exercise for mental health and is a good medicine for prolonging life and preventing and treating diseases. Many doctors, past and present, have used laughter as a treatment method and achieved good results in treating certain diseases.
