I try not to think of 'old age' for the reasons that many have already cited. I've suffered from UC for 27 years, went into complete remission a couple of years ago on Vedilisimab, then after 12 months it just stopped working. Just turned 60, surgeon said I was well overdue. Had the first surgery on 9 Jul 2014, loop ileostomy. Must say I'm not a 'bag' person. Takedown as soon as I can arrange it.
We'll see how that turns out, but for me it is something to look forward to. I've had a number of bag failures which have been embarrassing and difficult to handle. Was in Melbourne visiting my daughter and got a leak at about 4:00am, couldn't get any of the baseplates/bags to stick. Ran out (I had taken a truck load with me just in case) and you cannot buy this gear in Australia other than through the stoma society (only open weekdays, it was a Sunday). Off to the hospital leaking all over the place and nurse gave me a box of convex bags. Worked, such an incredible relief.
Anyway, see surgeon at RPAH tomorrow to discuss takedown date, cannot happen soon enough, but that's just me. I have enough trouble worrying about the next couple of months let alone the next 20 years. Hope to be back doing 'stuff' by the new year although I know recovery and adapting is a personal thing, It took significantly longer than I thought for me to get back to anyways close to normal after the ileostomy. As someone commented, hardly surprising when you have half your insides removed. I'm optimistic (at this stage at least).