I've watched that show naked and afraid in the past and besides the being naked part, I always wonder why so many of them seem to buckle so quickly. I feel like I am nowhere near as skilled as them, but I would at least last a little longer. I'm sure it's one of those things where it is a lot harder than it looks, but I've been camping long enough to have picked up a fair number of skills. I fear I am getting too old to ever go back to the rustic life, but I am not a stranger to it.
Having the right skills needs to be coupled with the physical ability to get things done, no doubt. At 54, I've kept myself in good shape through some hard work and effort and eating properly so I'm ok on that front, probably more than ok if I'm immodest. But for sure getting older has an effect. Having said that, I don't think it negates the need for a self-reliant ethos as there are many ways that can be brought to pass.
I think my wife and I will be camping for many years to come. Although we have a lot of gear, there is still something quite basic about camping that I really enjoy. It's just kind of raw. We do most of our cooking on a charcoal grill or propane griddle. I'd like to get a tripod for grate for over the fire and perfect my skills at open fire cooking one of these days.