It was permitted for the elderly man and the elderly woman—provided they are able to fast—to break their fast if they wish, and feed a poor person for every day. "And whoever volunteers good, it is better for him. And to fast is better for you, if you only knew." This means: the elderly man and the elderly woman, even though they are able to fast. Then that was abrogated by His saying after this: "So whoever among you witnesses the month, let him fast it."