Even in the centuries which appear to us to be the most monstrous and foolish the immortal appetite for beauty has always found satisfaction.
The satisfaction you get when you finally beat your dad is amazing that rush of adrenaline.
Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone. No man will admire her the more no woman will like her the better for it. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former and a something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter.
Your 40s are a major trough. About the age of 50 feelings of satisfaction begin to rebound and keep rising into your 50s 60s and 70s with health being a major factor.
Perhaps we don't need these religious concoctions to pillow the fear of death. Just the fact that there is an unknown and something greater can bring a feeling of peace. That's enough for me.