He realized that advanced age had drained many of the strengths of youth. But that is not all bad. Through the weakness of being old he gained the strength that youth denied him.
Example of the above is the very fact that as a young man he could use his physical strength to defend but usually ended up hurting the offender. Mental strength could intimidate badly leaving scars that were hard to heal. In order to win, to appear strong, others were hurt badly.
The advantage of growing older is one doesn't have to win at all costs, one can heal, take some blows letting others find the peace they need so desperately in their lives.
Those that equate losing stamina, sight and looks with doddering demented people should be taken with a grain of salt not with hurtful comments that point out that they might be too fat, self indulgent, not really as perfect as they think they are.
The failed relationships that leave people alone as a result of a life of desertion leaving a hole in their life which they may deny but they can never fill.
The parents who lose contact with their children except when they give money or shelter, they do not have to be reminded that the problems they have are larger than life and dangerous.
Living long one can learn that one doesn't have to defend ones self but one has a duty to try and heal. However, if all else fails than wisdom says to leave peacefully and pray for them always sending good karma their way.
