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Advice from elders: “Don’t build a house at 50, don’t plant trees at 60, and don’t sew clothes at 70”

There is an old saying: "At 50, build no house; at 60, plant no tree; at 70, cease to mend your clothes." However, not everyone truly understands the meaning behind this quote.

Administrator

1 March, 2024

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In the past, people’s living conditions were much more difficult, with an underdeveloped healthcare system. Many people often had to face a shortage of food and clothing, struggling with hard labor in their daily lives. Life expectancy was also not as high as it is today.

Therefore, people used to consider themselves old when they reached the age of 50. In contrast to the present, many people in the past, who were 50 years old, often couldn’t maintain their youthful appearance.

Old sayings: “At 50, one should not build houses, at 60 one should not plant trees, and at 70 one should not bother with clothing”

The old saying “At 50, one should not build houses, at 60 one should not plant trees, and at 70 one should not bother with clothing” was derived from the practical experience of the past. It means:

In rural areas, there are three major tasks that each person needs to do, which are building houses, starting families, and farming. Children in rural areas often start families early, even having children in their twenties, so they would already have a house.

However, when they reach the age of 50, they often lose their strength and physical abilities. They no longer have the energy to build a new house, and their bodies are no longer as healthy as before. Based on this reality, people in the past concluded that building a house at the age of 50 should be avoided.

Not planting trees at the age of 60 is a belief since ancient times. Planting trees from their early stages until they grow into mature trees takes about ten years, but people in their 60s find it difficult to live until the age of 100. Furthermore, planting trees requires a lot of effort, especially for older people whose bodies have begun to experience discomfort and physical decline. Planting trees involves digging, watering, and manual labor, which can strain muscles and joints if not done carefully. Therefore, when they reach the age of 60, they should avoid physical activities like that.

When the elderly pass away, all the functions of their bodies decline, including vision, so mending clothes becomes impossible. Moreover, the elderly tend to be frugal and believe that having clean clothes is sufficient, without the need to spend money on new ones. They also don’t want to burden their children and grandchildren, and when they reach the age of 70, they are uncertain about how long they will live, so they don’t want to exert effort in mending clothes.

Although this saying has practical applications in ancient agricultural societies, in modern times, when human life expectancy is increasing and many 70-year-old people are still active in the labor market, this saying becomes somewhat outdated. However, from this saying, we can see the helplessness of the elderly and it serves as a warning to the younger generation, reminding them not to neglect their parents and to spend time with them, as that is what parents desire.

Frequently asked questions

It implies that in rural settings, there are three key tasks: building a house, starting a family, and farming. People often started families early, so a house was already established. However, by 50, their physical capabilities had diminished, making building a new house challenging.

Planting and nurturing trees to maturity takes about a decade, but reaching 100 years of age is unlikely for someone in their 60s. Additionally, planting trees is physically demanding, especially for older individuals experiencing discomfort and physical decline. The task can strain muscles and joints, so it’s best avoided at that age.

The elderly tend to be frugal and content with clean, mended clothes rather than new ones. They also don’t want to burden their children or grandchildren with expenses. With declining health and uncertainty about their remaining years at 70, mending clothes becomes a low priority.

With modern advancements in healthcare and increased life expectancy, the saying has become somewhat outdated. However, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of old age and encourages the younger generation to cherish and care for their elderly parents.