We all get old and ill.
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As the Medical Adviser for this website I am now 60 years old. I have seen several colleagues die in the past 30 years and all colleagues have illnesses; just like the patients. Some died of Cancers or other illnesses.
I have come across colleagues with Diabetes, Heart Operations, Asthma, Covid, Cancers, Anxiety/ Depression, Alcohol problems, Bowel Surgery, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Glaucoma, Retinal Degeneration . Melanoma , Road Accidents etc. .
The BMJ has a section at the back for Obituaries of Doctors who have died recently which is very informative. Many doctors die of Cancers.
Unfortunately some doctors do not follow their own sensible health advice e.g. they smoke, take excess alcohol, get overweight and do not do sports.
This is emotionally hard but is actual real life and cannot be avoided. We all must cope with these real life situations as best we can ; and keep working to support and pay for our families over 20 or 30 years . This is reality.
It is wise to work full time when one is young and energetic. Most Doctors and other people cut down to half-time or part -time by age 50 years. If they have saved some money or Investments by then; or have a second income such as rent from a second property; or have inherited money or a property; then thay can have an easier life; with more days off each week.
We all need to adapt our lifestyle and cope with older age e.g. Hip pain at age 60 years- one can no longer climb onto the roof or ladders ; or do DIY work as much. One can ask the children to help do housework and clean the bathtub. Stairs are difficult so one can move into a bungalo or a ground-floor flat. One can use the local car wash instead of washing the cars oneself. One cannot go jogging but can do mild Yoga and light weight training. The pain killers can cause fatigue and sleepiness.
With age and wisdom One figures out ways to make life easier when one gets hip or knee pain e.g. using Amazon.co.uk to deliver all items so there is no need to keep going out to the shops repeatedly. This is fast , efficient ; and reduces walking and pain.
So every illness causes difficulties. If a Doctor or Nurse gets Diabetes, Heart Disease or Cancer then fatigue is a problem. This is a good reason to reduce their hours of work ate age 50 or 55 years. A lot of time and effort is spent modifying the lifestyle and work rota; to keep on working.