My hip has been hurting lately. Actually my hip, my knee, my ankle. It’s the result of getting older. (ouch) I’m planning on another 30 to 40 years of use. But, already my parts are wearing out. The doctor has already mentioned the possibility of a hip replacement. I recognize the value of such replacments. But I had hoped not to face them until closer to “the end”. A friend points out the flaw in my hope…. we might be closer to “the end” than we thought. (double ouch)