“In fact, when one grows old, he is given the opportunity to repent more readily because the illusions are gone. While he still had his physical strength and his youth, he wasn’t aware of his weaknesses, and imagined himself to be in a good spiritual state. But now that he has difficulties and is complaining, it helps him realize that he is not all right, that he is weak; and this helps him repent.”
(Elder St Paisios in ‘Spiritual Struggle’)