Many do just give up. Depends on many things I suppose. The aged are prone to acquiesce in the face of illness and death many more times over than younger folk in a similar situation I think. Not comparing just noting.

The difference isn't always 'heart', 'internal fortitude' or whatever that might be called...existing decent physical condition to begin with dictates the norm. Not a hard and fast rule though to be sure.

Jesus H...humans are a pretty amazing thing really...we'll never realize all our potential in the face of challenges that may never be. Scenarios faced can be so diverse. How might the same fellow deal with a life threatening Grizzly mauling compared to facing the onset of say diabetes? Cancer to some severe mental trauma?

So odd...no-one can predict behavior accurately...but success is enhanced by many things...youth and health probably have the edge in success rates. It's not all but the percentages would favour this group in the face of similar or comparative adversity I believe. Arghh...that ain't fair! *grin* Well it's Wheaties and spinach for breakfast starting tomorrow...The better the fuel the better nature will lend her strengths. That isn't the only rule either but for me it seems a bloody good idea...who the hell knows when anyones body and mind might step in poop right?

Hi Dubble...not sure of where I went with that really. Just some thoughts that hit me...had to write them down. Interesting question to me that was...my two coppers may be a little off mark with the post but thank you for this.