Villagers can become weakened for a variety of reasons, including old age, extended illness, animal attacks, and strenuous occupations. The only thing that can be done to help them is to put them on less strenuous duties. Farming and medicine seem to be less hazardous occupations than building and research. Alas, for the elderly, even light duty may not prolong their life by much. Researching higher levels of medical technology does extend their lives significantly.