Define "society " I don't believe society moves with unified judgment and intentions. Some people probably wished you out of the way many years ago. Others most likely will appreciate you as long as you are still around.
I grew up a compulsive people pleaser. That is one possible outgrowth of anxiety disorders, and whether I genetically inherited anxiety from my very anxious mother or merely absorbed her example, I was somewhat of an anxious young person. I had to learn eventually to stop trying to please everyone, because that is an impossible goal, and we risk driving ourselves to emotional breakdown by trying.

The little boy and old man story sounds like an example of adjusting to and accepting loss of physical and mental facility, more than merely a redundancy issue. Acceptance is certainly a valueble skill in life. It can spare us immeasurable frustration, anger, and despair. If society writes me off, fuck'em. I will find things to occupy me and someone who cares, even if that "someone" is a puppy, lol.

The redundancy (conformity) I see in the local youth (20's/30's)here concerns me.

It all depends on your behaviour and skills.

Hell, in today’s world, we’re born redundant! (Kidding. I’m your elder by a few years. Yesterday I delivered a very well-received advocacy workshop to a mostly younger audience at a state conference; and I’m returning home tomorrow to resume training for a Forest Service mountain search and rescue team. I try to define my age through my actions, not the other way around.)