As sympathetic as I am to these people, no parent should have to outlive their child..
Where is that written. Not so long ago most families lost at least one child at young age. So its not even remotely historically accurate.
There's no reason to believe interstellar travel is possible.
There is no doubt that it is possible. At least as far as the physics is concerned. Weather we ever have the economic incentive or patients to carry out such a project is something else entirely.
The diet is specific to the region, and the occurrence of particular diseases is also very regional.
So is their genetics and their environment ie what they are exposed too, what kind of work they do.....
Make headway at work. Continue to let things deteriorate at home.