Introduction: Tomorrow will be the end of summer. Here is a warm reminder for the elderly: first, do not be greedy; second, there are two types of food that should not be eaten; third, there are three things that should not be done; fourth, there are four unsuitable situations. Do not neglect to be vigilant!
Time is brief and fair to everyone, quietly coming and going without a trace, without thickness, without closeness. Now comes the end of summer, as described in the “Compendium of Seventy-two Hou of the Lunar Calendar”: “Chu means stop, the heat stops at this point.” Late summer is the fourteenth solar term, and with its arrival, the end of summer heat is signaled, temperatures begin to drop gradually, and people will start to feel autumn approaching, marking the true beginning of autumn.
End of summer is further divided into three Hou: “Upon the first hou, the eagles start their ritual hunting as they sense the chill of autumn; in the second hou, the world starts to feel desolate as everything withers and a desolate air pervades; the third hou marks the ripening of grains and crops, welcoming the season of harvest for all kinds of agricultural products. Hence, the end of summer is a crucial solar term, especially important for the elderly. Remember: do not be greedy, do not eat certain foods, do not engage in certain activities, and avoid certain conditions. Stay vigilant!
Not being greedy means avoiding excessive pursuit of coolness. Despite the end of summer, midday temperatures may still be hot, but cool winds will blow in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, the elderly must be cautious and not excessively seek coolness. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning or overconsumption of cold drinks may bring coldness into the body, leading to various discomforts. Just like Mr. Li next door who, due to excessive pursuit of coolness, set the air conditioner temperature too low one night and ended up catching a cold and feeling weak the next day.
Not eating certain foods means avoiding oily and spicy foods. For the elderly, it is essential to consume light foods, as oily foods may burden the digestive system and spicy foods can cause problems like internal heat and constipation.
Not engaging in certain activities includes refraining from intense physical exercise, as the bodily functions of the elderly decline with age, making them prone to injuries from vigorous activities. Also, avoid staying up late. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining health, and staying up late disrupts the body’s biological clock, affecting normal metabolism. In autumn, people are more prone to fatigue and weakness, so it’s crucial to increase sleep time by avoiding staying up late. And avoid excessive emotional fluctuations. For the elderly, stable emotions are crucial, as negative emotions like anger and anxiety can significantly harm the body.
Avoiding certain conditions means: avoid premature layering of clothing. The saying “keep warm in spring and cool in autumn” has some truth to it. The body should gradually adapt to temperature changes. Also, avoid prolonged sitting and ensure to move the body regularly; do not neglect regular check-ups to detect potential health issues early; and avoid overworking and ensure a balanced work-rest schedule.
“At the end of summer, bid farewell to the scorching sun, welcome the refreshing autumn breeze, and cast away the past irritations. The cool autumn breeze brings a sense of relief and happiness. The elderly must pay extra attention to health, adhere to the principles of not being greedy, avoiding certain foods, refraining from specific activities, and avoiding unfavorable conditions to maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy a happy old age. I am Xiaofeng, who loves sharing delicious food. Don’t forget to follow Xiaofeng for more food tips!
This article is an original work by Xiaofeng. Feel free to engage and interact. Let’s benefit and learn from each other. Where there are three people, there will be something to learn from each other.
