I don't necessarily disagree with the benefits of a kinder and gentler forum, but my first impression when I started here (must have been five years or so ago) was that too many members were *****footing along waiting to die. I thought it was perhaps TOO kind and gentle. I was in my late 50s at the time, and still able to do most of what I used to be able to do, though at a reduced pace. Some of the "50s" concerns seemed unnecessary--just go do what you can do, and accept that your abilities will decline. It's expected and not worth much discussion.
Karma raised its ugly head a couple of years ago, as karma will do, and now I'm dealing with a couple of chronic, non-life threatening conditions. I've gotten good support from members with similar issues (myasthenia gravis is rare in older males; there aren't many of us out here), and I appreciate their advice. Still, I'd hate to see this turn into a forum where geezers prop each other up. My doctors put me on prednisone and i've gained 30 pounds despite my best efforts...OK, 90 percent of my best efforts...but I'd still rather be called fat@** than have people lining up to sympathize with me and tell me how well I'm doing, "considering."

EDIT: Note to mods: The bleeped word up there is perfectly acceptable in all company, a term beginning with "p," sometimes used to refer to cats, followed by "footing," to indicate tiptoeing or moving cautiously. It is possible to be TOO family-oriented.