@jk I don't even like the word retired. In fact, I can't think of any word that accurately describes being mature that is pleasant. I like the cultures that consider their elders as wise.That suits me better because I know as mature adults we are definitely wise. Sage may be even better since it has more depth of meaning than wise. I don't think there was a lot of information about the diseases that plague people these days. Years ago, people were given whatever the doctor thought would help and more often than not, the person died. I never remember hearing about diabetes or heart disease or other illnesses that we are aware of now. We went to the doctor when we were sick or the doctor made a house call and treated us the best he knew. That was the way it was in medicine. Many changes in doctoring as in everything else.
Carol