Jacob vs. "Toga Party"

Jacob's thoughts on aging, I feel are different from the thoughts of the characters in "Toga Party" because unlike the couple in "Toga Party," Jacob actually did something to change his situation. He was stuck in the nursing home, eating horrible food and was surrounded by senile patients so when the circus came, he took a chance and it payed off. Jacob was determined to go to the circus and then did the only thing he knew to do when he didn't have anything left, run away with them.
I feel like the couple in "Toga Party" gave up too soon. It didn't seem like they were poor so they could have traveled to see there children and grandchildren or gone to plays or done whatever their little hearts desired, but instead decided it wasn't worth the trouble. I understand that one didn't want to die without the other and they probably wouldn't be able to survive the death of the other, but I think they tapped out too early.
I think that Jacob had a better grip on aging rather than the couple because he always accepted the change, even if he was hesitant at first. I think that he knew aging was just a part of life and I think that he wanted to experience all parts of life. The couple on the other hand I think experienced all they wanted to in life. They were successful, had children, and accomplished all their goals so they felt like the life they wanted was over and that's why they decided to let the light go out.