When we see an elderly person shuffling along, maybe with a breathing apparatus, a walker, cane or whatever other assistance they may require it is difficult to look past that and perhaps see that person as the warrior that they once may have been, or the selfless acts they may have performed for the sake of others.
The link below, I think, illustrates that point perfectly.
Lon
http://www.youtube.com/v/RU1oB8sGyYM