NURSING OLD AGE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 494, 24 August 1912, Page 7

NURSING OLD AGE.

OLD PEOPLE ARE SELDOM LOTH TO GO. The nursing of old people is usually supposed to be depressing. But need this be so ? True, there is seldom much prospect, of complete cure in their case, but at the least their sufferings may be alleviated, their disease modified, and their general condition improved, by skilful nursing. As a rule also they suffer less acutely than younger people afflicted in a similar manner. Their sensibilities are dulled, or their power of endurance is less, so that they quickly succumb under severe pain, sinking into merciful unconsciousness. Then again even when dying, unless they have led bad lives and are addicted to drink or other excesses, there is something natural about their condition, like the falling of ripe fruit from a tree. They are seldom loth to go. From long anticipation they have got accustomed to the idea of death, and do not dread it as younger folks may. There is nothing of the feeling that they are being cut off in their prime, or in the promise and dawn of their youth. They have generally outlived most of their near relatives and friends, and they often have an intense longing for rest and for the quiet and peace of the grave. Few of them depart until they have become willing to go. And there is something extremely beautiful and soothing in what we may call healthy old age, whatever form of disease is at length sapping the vitality. There is often the simplicity and much of the helplessness and trustfulness of childhood, strangely allied with a certain mellowness and wisdom, the unconscious mingling of which is very charming to those who have eyes to see, and has a very calming influence upon the mind.

Thus, if rightly viewed, to nurse the aged is far from depressing. Moreover, if rightly done, it calls for just the same unselfishness, patience, thoughtfulness, as does the nursing of little children. All illness appeals in its helplessness to any form of strength, but the helplessness of the aged whose life must be fast ebbing away surely calls for the very utmost forbearance and loving kindness with no uncertain voice.—The "Nursing Mirror."