That's true enough - and I'm living it - but do you have any idea how many older people are in complete self-denial about it?
I understand how it comes to be. I don't think I'm there; but life has slapped me down many times, keeping me humble that way. I'd seen my parents, at different times - my father had what was probably early-onset Alzheimer's, covered over because he was forced out of work early, with a corporate merger, and spent several years alone during the days, before having the first of several strokes. Numerous smallish dents and dings in his cars, and he developed new ugly habits, like hitting a local ethnic bar at opening time.
My mother avoided most of that, but could barely get in and out of her car. Could hardly walk across a parking lot. Not fat, just arthritis and muscle weakness.
But the point is...NEITHER of them wanted to even CONSIDER they weren't ready to drive. Nor was the state DMV pushing the issue - my mother failed her vision test on renewal, FOUR TIMES on four visits, before getting through it. Probably with some help by the DMV people.
Over the last ten years, slowly, many activities are being taken away. Travel...aside from the money angle, the amount of crap I have to carry has grown immensely. I used to tour by motorcycle. Before I stopped, I could see, I was carrying more crap and enjoying the trips much less. Now, even auto travel - a Jab-injured driver coming the other way, totalled both cars, her passenger (fatality) and my RV. Leaving me scrambling for two days to get as much stuff as I could, home, any way I could.
I don't want to go through that again.
I don't see well at night, now...that's age-related, too. It isn't coloring my life, since I stay close to home; but fifteen years ago, I would occasionally be on the roads on a trip...motorcycle or car...late at night. No can do, now.
To say nothing of my abandoned athletic pursuits. I used to love to ski. I still try to hike, but no more elaborate long hiking trips. Bicycling, still I can do, but not sure for how much longer.
Oh, and...that All-American he-man sport...DRINKING. Diabetes slowed it way down. But a gout attack, has stopped it.
It is what it is. And older people need be realistic, just like everyone else.