From forty to sixty, a man who has properly regulated himself, may be
considered as in the prime of life. His matured strength of
constitution renders him almost impervious to the attacks of disease,
and experience has given his judgment the soundness of almost
infallibility. His mind is resolute, firm, and equal; all his
functions are in the highest order; he assumes the mastery over
business; builds up a competence on the foundation he has formed in
early manhood, and passes through a period of life attended by many
gratifications. Having gone a year or two past sixty, he arrives at a
critical period in the road of existence; the river of death flows
before him, and he remains at a stand-still. But athwart this river
is a viaduct, called 'The turn of Life,' which, if crossed in safety,
leads to the valley, 'Old Age.' The bridge is constructed of fragile
materials, and it depends upon how it is trodden whether it bend or
break. Gout, apoplexy, and other bad characters are also in the
vicinity to waylay the traveller, and thrust him from the pass; but
let him gird up his loins, and provide himself with a fitting staff,
and he may trudge on in safety with perfect composure. To quit a
metaphor, the 'Turn of Life' is a turn either into a prolonged walk or
into the grave. The system and power having reached their utmost
expansion, now begin either to close like flowers at sunset, or break
down at once. One injudicious stimulant--a single fatal excitement,
may force it beyond its strength--whilst a careful supply of props,
and the withdrawal of all that tends to force a plant, will sustain it
in beauty and in vigour until night has entirely set.--_The Science of
Life, by a Physician_.