EXOD311 Rabbi Soloveitchik, Oral address to students in May 1981, in describing the war with Amalek prior to the giving of the Torah, says that this war was necessary before the Jewish people could receive the Torah. Only after a near defeat did the people realize they were vulnerable and needed God and the Torah to overcome life's difficulties. This is alluded to in [this verse] that connects the battle with Amalek at Refidim with the coming to Mount Sinai (see Rashi on this verse). Rabbi Soloveitchik expanded on this concept and said each person has his own Refidim, the challenge in life that seems to defeat him. He used the specific example of old age, showing that some people let it defeat and beat them down, while others, understanding that they no longer do some of the things they had done previously, are able to cope and make the most out of their new situation. Understanding Torah and its values can help you cope with old age.