8. The Elderly Client And Fasting

In a previous lesson we have commented that those few persons who survive to an advanced age in today's polluted and frenzied environment, are the "tough ones." In order to survive, they have demonstrated not only physical stamina, but also mental stamina, this being witnessed by the very fact that they have, if mentally sound, successfully overcome all the many and varied kinds of emotional assaults that can arise to trouble all of us as we travel on that train that seems to gallop us all through life. Each problem situation as it arose had to be evaluated by these people, and then dealt with as they saw fit.

The elderly clients who seek the advice of a Hygienic practitioner will, in most instances, listen carefully to what they hear, they will read the printed materials carefully, will listen to the stories by others in group meetings and in lectures, but then they will reach their own conclusions, whatever these may be: they will either find merit in their new knowledge or will discount it as not worthy of their trust.

If, in their view and according to their past indoctrination, they find their newly-acquired knowledge sound, they will be more inclined to follow the Hygienist's recommendations; if not, they will be reluctant, hesitant to do so. With emotional reservations, they may adopt whatever regimen is set forth.

Many times clients will come to the practitioner exhausted, both physically and mentally but, nevertheless, they will have in reserve sufficient strength to resist change, especially if it is too abrupt. Therefore, we have found it advisable to advance rather slowly with our elderly clients. This is especially so when we believe that eventually a fast may be needed to bring about a successful resolution of a particular condition, say a chronic ailment of long duration.

In such cases we suggest the advisability of a prolonged fast immediately but then we "back away," offering an alternative regimen which begins with simple dietary and other suggestions. We then proceed on a planned program of detoxification that is even more prolonged than the one detailed in the lesson on hair. However, we do proceed as circumstances seem to indicate the time is at hand to move forward.

8.1 Transition into Fasting by the Elderly

Step One
An all-fruit day once each week, each meal to consist of one, two or three compatible fruits. Examples supplied to each client as, for example:
Oranges
Oranges and strawberries Grapes
Bananas
Bananas and dates, etc.
To be continued for two weeks.

Step Two
An all-fruit day once each week with no more than two fruits to be served at all three meals.
To be continued for two weeks.

Step Three
TWO all fruit days per week, one of which is now a mono fruit day, the other permitting a variety of two fruits per meal.
To be continued for two weeks.

Step Four
One mono fruit day per week.
One partial fast day—only two fruit meals permitted on this day.
Thus, two days per week are now divided between a mono and a two-fruit-meals-per-day regimen.
To be continued for one month.

Step Five
One mono fruit day per week.
One 24-hour fast day per week.
To be continued for one month.

Step Six
One mono fruit day per week.
One 36-hour fast day every other week.
To be continued for one month.
Many elderly people will progress this far but will not progress any further. With a few, the practitioner may find them prepared emotionally to advance as follows:

Step Seven
One mono fruit day.

One 48-hour fast every other week.

Step seven should be followed for several months after which it would be appropriate to suggest that the client now fast one day each week and perhaps even a three-day fast once a month.

Using this step-by-step progression, the student will observe how easy it would be, should it prove necessary, to put a client on "hold," until such time as s/he would feel comfortable; or even to back track a step, should that prove necessary. Using this method demonstrates to the client that you are working with him/her and in his/her best interests. Few elderly clients appreciate being "pushed" into strange and unfamiliar territory, which fasting undoubtedly is, too fast. We must always strive to work within their levels of acceptance.

Few experienced Hygienists will permit an elderly client to fast at home, on his own, for longer than three days or longer than ten days even at a fasting institution under close supervision. The reasons should be obvious:

1. Their bodies bear the imprinting of many years of incorrect living. It is impossible to predict what biological storm might erupt to throw an unknowledgeable and uneasy client into a panic state, always a dangerous situation, which could even prove fatal.
   
2. The reserves of the elderly are generally limited and it is often exceedingly difficult for an older person to regain the weight lost during the fasting period.

Thus it is that we should be extremely thorough in our instructions and careful in working with clients as we teach them about fasting. In fact, it is far better to be cautious to the extreme than to risk negative responses, either emotional or physical. This is true with all clients but especially important when working with the elderly persons who seek our help.