Where do old Graphic Designers Go?

I’ve been a designer for many years. I’ve seen people climb the ladder, become creative directors, then… disappear. You don’t see many 65-year-old designers still in the trenches, obsessing over kerning or nudging pixels at 2 a.m.

Do they become “consultants”? Start serving lattes at Peet’s? Hand out samples at Costco?
Here’s the thing: I love the creative process too much to give it up. Directing people might pay more, but it takes me away from what I actually do best—designing.

So I keep asking: Why can’t we still be designers at 65? Why does the industry assume we all want to stop making and start managing?

If you’re a younger designer, this is worth thinking about. And if you’re an older one—you already know what I mean.
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Because personally? I’d rather grow old with Illustrator open than a hairnet at Costco.