🌿 Folk Prescriptions

More and more elderly people are now aiming for longevity reaching 90 or even 100 years old. How to enjoy a healthy later life is a concern for everyone. I am now 85 years old, with good hearing, vision, and memory, normal blood pressure, and my weight has consistently remained between 52–53 kilograms. I ensure six hours of uninterrupted sleep daily. My female friends and younger relatives often say I look like I’m just 70. Naturally, I’m delighted. People often ask me about my health secrets, sometimes suspecting I’ve taken some ancestral herbal remedy. I always smile and reply: I’m no immortal. Even if there were a true elixir for eternal youth, I’d gladly share it with all middle-aged and elderly friends worldwide.
Of course, this is just idle talk—there’s no magic pill for eternal life. However, health preservation is indeed a science. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that disease does not occur in isolation; treating symptoms requires addressing the root cause. I believe, just as diagnosis and treatment require differentiation and individualized approaches, health preservation should also follow a dialectical method tailored to one’s innate constitution. Below are some personal insights on health preservation I wish to share:
First, maintain a cheerful attitude toward life. At our age, everyone has experienced storms and hardships. When encountering unpleasant situations, one must learn proper coping mechanisms. I am naturally optimistic and love physical activity. In my youth, I played basketball and tennis well, enjoyed singing and dancing, and was always an energetic figure at workplace gatherings. Exercise keeps the body vibrant and fosters harmonious interpersonal relationships. People find me open-minded and approachable, even young people enjoy socializing with me. Engaging with diverse age groups helps avoid social detachment—the only true path to lasting youthfulness.
Second, pay attention to diet. I rarely take tonics. I’ve never tried those “miraculous” nutritional supplements advertised widely. Only American ginseng, brought back by my son from the U.S., is an exception—I find it has nourishing yin properties and occasionally consume it. Osteoporosis is a major issue for the elderly. Since I had surgery on one leg, I must be extra cautious and thus persistently take multiple vitamins. Compared to medicated supplementation, I prefer dietary supplementation. Personally, I eat light meals—avoiding fried, greasy, or other yang-promoting foods that easily cause internal heat. Otherwise, I have no strict dietary restrictions, but I still moderate my intake of favorite foods. Elderly friends with the means might consider preparing their own medicinal dishes—for instance, those with qi and blood deficiency should eat more Danggui Lamb Soup; those with weak spleen function can eat more yam. As long as it’s appropriate and consistent, gastrointestinal health can be effectively regulated. After all, “food is paramount”—good nutrition leads to good health.
Third, balance work and rest. Medical research shows the human body is a complex machine; any malfunction will send early warning signals. Thus, we must learn to “listen” to these signals and prevent minor issues from escalating into serious problems. I’m restless by nature and participate in many free clinics and social activities. I constantly remind myself not to overexert. Gynecological consultations cannot be resolved in a few words; listening and questioning are required, so I limit each session to 20 patients. If I feel tired during the day or have emotional concerns, to protect sleep quality, I soak my feet before bed—slightly hotter water, soaking for 15–20 minutes to lower blood pressure. I also enjoy traveling to appreciate China’s magnificent landscapes, but considering my age, I usually choose short trips to places like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing—returning within one or two days without disrupting regular routines. One point especially important for women: some young people don’t take postpartum recovery seriously. Yet maintaining proper diet, adequate rest, and positive emotions during this crucial month significantly impacts long-term health.
In summary, I believe there’s no secret to health preservation—key is adjusting one’s mindset, living with openness and optimism, and caring for oneself bit by bit. May all middle-aged and elderly friends live happily and healthily, growing younger with age!