Do you find meaning in suffering and death? If so, what?

[Mudhammam]

I always fear that once I am "over the hill" (I'm 26 now), that age when health and time are all "downhill" from there--then my perception of a future will increasingly diminish--and with it my sense of purpose and joy. I'm always encouraged when I read authors who are well on their way to the grave (70s or 80s) and feel no less inspired; Irvin Yalom and Victor Stenger have written pieces that caused me to feel that way. Are there any older members here who can speak to what I'm referring to? Or will it not be at all like I imagine? (In other words, does getting old not suck as bad as I fear it will?)