What you said has a measure of good truth, Dutch. I've heard a term that more closely describes this elder time, as opposed to the "Golden Years."
Rather than "Golden Years," the years could be considered the
"Tarnished Bronze" years. And anyone that owns a Henry rifle decked in bronze will appreciate that expression, and know exactly what it means!

It takes some determined work to remove the patina and return to the golden shine.
It doesn't mean necessarily that the Tarnished Bronze years are bad; it's just the way of it.
Deadwood Dutch wrote:It sorta sneaks up on you. I really, personally, don't believe in the term, ''Golden Years."