Very, very wise choice. He is young enough (hopefully) that any damage to his internal organs, etc. will reverse itself and he can retire a rich old happy man.
I'm sure he won't let himself go to shit. Doesn't seem the type.
Now, if he decides at 49 to make that dreaded "comeback" well, I know I'll lose some respect, but I also know how mentally addicting it is to run around large and in charge.
Even Mike Matarazzo still has those regrets, although he seems to think "life" is a much wiser and appropriate choice.