I’m curious how you were free at the time in your life when you have the least amount of freedom to make any decision whatsoever (0-6).

Well, I guess that's debatable, sure. I was thinking in the sense that I wasn't studying or working, so the last option was that I was free. I guess you could say that that is a different kind of thing altogether? I was constrained both by my parents attempting to raise me and by my stupidity, weakness, frailty, and overall lack of understanding of everything on account of being a tiny child. Still, I think I had huge freedom, in that I was being guided by my seniors, though there was really nothing I had to do, and everything I needed was provided to me free of charge. I don't know, sounds reasonable to me to call that freedom.

And I think part of the point is that you are not free in your retirement years because your body is old.

Personally, I think this is absurd! There's definitely something to that, I agree -- disease, for example, definitely hinders one's ability to enjoy life -- but there are many older folks that are perfectly healthy and capable of living fulfilling lives in retirement. My grandmother (mid-70s), for example, and my own father (mid-50s) are shining examples! They're both very active physically, which is something that I myself have been doing for about 2 years now, in preparation for my life post-retirement.

Also, I think that sort of mentality is destructive. Do you dread old age? I certainly don't! Not only do I intend to stay healthy, but even if I don't, I intend to keep doing things I enjoy. Are you marathon runners or something?! I enjoy reading, eating good food, riding the train, art, and nature... I don't suspect my old age to rob that from me. Not until I'm way old, anyway, and by then, I shall die after having enjoyed many great things for many years, I hope, with a smile on my wrinkly and sun-damaged face.