Mike, I hear what you are saying but I personally feel the older audience appreciates realistic sounds more than the younger ones. Most of the younger set are accustomed to hearing highly processed music, complete with lots of synth sounds and tightly compressed drum samples.
I'm technically old enough to be in a nursing home, and have excellent hearing in spite of so many years of performing. There may be a very slight loss of extreme highs, but if there is, I can't hear it.
DonM