Old Drunkards versus Old Doctors

"There Are More Old Drunkards Than Old Doctors"
-Ben Franklin
(also attributed as an old French proverb).

A curious quote that attracted my attention, at least enough to blog on it.

Maybe drinking is healthier than caring for, and hence hanging out with, the sick? Or maybe drunkards simply age faster?

More likely just good old Ben, or some old French dudes, refuting their doctors advice to avoid or limit alcohol!