Thanks, do you know if anyone is keeping track of what kills Pilots, ie. what is the most common ailment that medically disqualifies us, (heart disease? Cancer?) and what is the most common ailment that kills us before reaching 'retirement age' (now 65).
When the age was first raised to 65, I figured at least 50% of the 'over 60' pilots wouldn't make it to 65 (keep a first class medical) but I just flew with a 63yr. old copilot, and I cannot think of a single -over 60- pilot who has lost his medical, and I know (and fly with) quite a few of them.
Of course in these days, very few are smoking and drinking like they did back in the 1970's. I don't know a single pilot who smokes cigarettes any more, where as 25 years ago I didn't know too many who didn't. They are eating better too, not nearly as overweight as they were 25 years ago...so...maybe that's why most of the over 60 guys are surviving to 65.