As far as getting too old or sick to maintain a "country lifestyle" I don't see it as being very different than for someone living in the city, except for the driving aspect, as a vehicle is a necessity, when you can no longer produce what you need you go out and buy it like everyone else does.

I've also been working on developing the concept of a retirement commune where like minded people could live together and provide for each other instead of paying a for profit agency to do it for you.

Sorcha, what meat we do eat we usually purchase or obtain via barter for our hay. I have in the past raised and butchered my own meat and kept laying hens but having high cholesterol and a wife who is very sensitive and loving to all living things has reduced our meat and egg consumption to where it's just not worth the effort.