Autism and ageing

I've been reading Lynne Segal's interesting work on ageing. She hasn't broached the subject of autism but I wonder if my autism serves as a form of protection when it comes to ageing. Earlier in life I got used to being ignored because I was odd and I found it easier, indeed enjoyable, to spend long periods alone. I still do. Men who retire often sink into depression and can't cope. However, I reckon those men are neurotypical and quite dependent on connections with other people. Those of us who are more autonomous may find life after paid work a lot easier (provided we have enough money but that's another story).