There's so much truth in this. In middle-age we witness our parents and older relatives in decline and that prepares us (or at least teaches us what to expect) for experiencing the decline ourselves. My Mom just turned 82 in June and during our last visit she was so much more mentally and physically fragile than she was just six months before. She's in denial and resisting the idea of assisted-living, in-home nursing aides, or moving in with my brother or I. She's falling a lot now and can't get herself off the floor. It's been frustrating and worrisome for us. After living through this experience with her I've decided that I won't be as stubborn in 20-30 years (God-willing). I can't even imagine how tough it would be to come to the realization that you must surrender some of your freedoms. Life is certainly an adventure in each of its seasons.