Gains and Losses In his 20s, Phil Collins was the drummer for the band Genesis, becoming a star solo singer and songwriter by age 30. A midlife ear infection and a spinal injury resulted in major sensory loss, making drumming impossible and new harmonies more difficult—but Collins adjusted. His Going Back album, released at age 59, reached the top of the charts. Most adults are neither so impaired nor so successful, but losses occur between ages 25 and 65 for everyone, and then gains can compensate.