On-going observations have yielded a disturbing discovery ... there is a proliferation of “little old ladies.” There are nothing but “little old ladies” everywhere, even though the actuarial statistics claim that the gender lifespan difference is just a couple of years. The latter data is most likely based on an arithmetic average as opposed to using the median. In other words, the majority of the global population will be comprised of “little old ladies” in ten years.
So, where are the old codgers? Most of them are dead by 80 years of age. Any remaining old codgers are probably near-dead in myriad assisted-care facilities. The “little old ladies,” however, continue to live on pass 100 years of age, albeit in various states of decrepitude.
So, what’s an old codger to do? Plan for a life expectancy of 80 years and be aware that accelerated decrepitude will commence around 70 years of age. Healthy diet and life-style, as well as regular exercise can briefly stave off decrepitude but won’t increase longevity. Finally, an old codger should be aware that his windbreaker jacket may outlast him.