[throwaway1979]

I want to relate the story of the doorman in my old Manhattan apartment. First off, my apartment had like 5 or 6 doormen that alternated in some weird schedule. The residents and the doormen had a very kind relationship. One of the older doormen went on for a few months about his retirement (he defn looked older than 65) and how he was going to miss us (residents). When he eventually left, about a month later there was a notice in the apartment that he had passed away. On one hand, that's life. On the other, back in the old country, I've seen people whither away once their purpose in life goes away. I know mentally that there are so many problems on this earth, so much help we can provide each other. So you can argue that a person can keep doing new, good things despite their age. But I think when you get to your 60s or 70s or whatever, you come to terms with it - with your own purpose in life. Time is cruel and the human body is frail. We should truly respect our elders.