The "Seven Simplicities" Are Most Suitable for Elderly Health Preservation
Elderly ailments are generally caused by bodily aging, but some stem from emotional imbalance. Therefore, advising the elderly to embrace a "simple life" is appropriate.
The essence of a simple life begins with detachment from fame and fortune. Fame and wealth are merely external possessions—neither brought at birth nor taken at death. If one unconsciously pursues them obsessively, treating them as burdens, they will only grow heavier, suffocating you. Ultimately, one may end up ruined in reputation and character—why endure such suffering? Only by wholeheartedly serving the Party and the people, regarding fame and fortune as worthless, can one become truly respected.
Secondly, remain indifferent to honor and disgrace. Life’s path is winding—filled with ideals and disappointments, joy and sorrow, glory and humiliation. Do not dwell excessively on personal gains and losses; treat honor and disgrace lightly. Remain calm when praised, accept setbacks with equanimity.
Thirdly, forget your age. Elderly people often fear aging, developing anxiety and frequently saying things like “I’m old” or “I’m useless”—emotional reflections and passive attitudes toward life that cast shadows over health and negatively affect the body. Recognize your advantages in rich experience; there are still many things society needs you to do. By forgetting age and freeing your mind, you can rediscover youth.
Fourthly, forget your physical form. As Zhuangzi said: “Those who care for themselves forget their appearance.” That is, health preservation requires forgetting the existence of an aging body. Once you do, nothing need frighten you. When ill, face it calmly, avoiding pessimism, anxiety, or passivity. Actively seeking treatment naturally aids in overcoming illness and restoring health.
Fifthly, simplify your clothing and diet. For living habits and meals, avoid excessive demands. Acknowledge physiological changes in old age—prefer quiet surroundings, wear warm clothes, eat light meals, avoid extravagance and indulgence in food desires. Avoid harming body and mind.
Sixthly, lighten your emotions. Let go of all joys, anger, sorrows, and pleasures, achieving mental detachment. Letting go means not disturbing yourself, not grieving, not sinking into despair—treating presence as absence, maintaining broad-mindedness.
Finally, cultivate simple friendships. Ancient wisdom says: “Gentlemen’s conversations are like water.” We should follow this ancient principle in making friends. Friendship benefits people of all ages. Having one or two close friends brings even greater benefits—reducing feelings of loss, loneliness, and isolation. True friendship lies in shared values and emotional connection, not gift exchanges. Mutual support, learning from each other, and sharing joys enrich life. This makes later years more fulfilling, beautiful, and conducive to physical and mental well-being, extending lifespan.