Anne
I do not know about people in their 70's, but I had an massive abdominal aortic aneurysm, and had surgery (trousers graft - meaning from the kidneys into both legs) for this in 1987. My life has changed. I can walk without pain. I could work and my life was a pleasure again. I rarely think about the problem any more, and the only medication I take (for this particular problem) is a 75mg aspirin per day. I am 58 now and was 43/4 at the time of surgery. Best of luck to whoever is having the op. Anne