When I started flying, it was a case of retire at 60 and everyone knew it and planned for it.
When I started flying in the RAAF at age 19 I expected to stay in the RAAF as a General duties pilot for as long as they would have me.
In those days it was compulsory for a GD Flight Lieutenant to be retired (out on your neck) at age 45 and out you went to fend for yourself. It was presumed that after age 45 you became dimwitted and your reactions too slow to fly a Dakota or Tiger Moth unless you received further promotion in rank up to Group Captain when you out on your neck at 55.