>What the heck did people ever do before Social Security?
Had family units which loved and supported each other, including the passing down and sharing of accumulated family wealth.
Many factors and complications over the past century, including the stress of living through wars and the associated malnutrition associated disease were prominent under reported causes.
Anon mother was on of 16 children. They extended homes when required and as the older ones were married off lived in close proximity and continued sharing the load.