You reap the fruit you sow. If you don't work for something, nothing is going to fall on your lap regardless your age. Even if you are old, it doesn't mean you can relax and let others serve you. In fact, the elder ones should set a good examples to the younger ones as they see and watches. If the zen master would have continue eating the when he doesn't work, it shows to the younger ones that they can do the same and they will grow up with that mindset.
