a major difference between old age and not is our physical and mental capacity. at least, for many (most?) people. when i become too old to physically grow my own food and get my own firewood, what happens (assuming i choose to stay alive)? well, if i were living the life i desire, there would be other loving and trusted folks in my life that would be around to help with all that. they of course also need food and firewood, and so helping me when i can no longer do so would be a "natural" flow of events.
and to circle back to dot's point (as i get it), if i were living the life i desire, this would be the way things are regardless of how old or abled i am. i guess i am alluding to a life of sharing and reciprocity and mutual aid and support, among trusted friends. iow, the anarchist life i want, regardless of age.