8.9 Old age has been described as the man's most pathetic and difficult stage of life. At this age, the wife's death, usurping of one's wealth by close relations and being dependent for food- these three things are extremely painful. He says that wife is a true companion in old age and her absence makes a man completely helpless. If a man has wealth in old age, he does not have to be dependent on others for food. So, to avert this pathetic state, a man should save wealth.
