What did Kenny “The Snake” Stabler look like at 38 years young?

It could be a factor. But could be the life style back then too.

Yup.....also biological inheritance or hereditary (if your into the whole brevity thing) factors also are a factor IMO....

And regular exercise/workouts are much more common now with folks into their 50s, 60s and even 70's.....I think in very general terms folks are more active later in the life than in the past.....