Age

Every adventurer has a lifetime. Some have shorter ones than others. But this is rather true for Sid Meier's Pirates. Although you cannot die by losing sea battles or fencing duels, the game always ends if you Retire - with more or less fame at this point.

You begin your career in a young age of 18. Time is flying by on longer sea trips, by being imprisoned or marooned, or even by Dividing the Plunder while you getting older. Age comes with a cost, so your character will visually change from a young lad to a full grown-up worn-out warhorse. With the age of about 30 your fencing will slow down drastically too, indicated by your health value, making it more and more difficult to win duels especially on rank Swashbuckler. With an age of 40+ you will more likely be forced to Retire when you Divide the Plunder.

The effects of aging cannot be reverted, yet the fencing penalty can be limited by Special Items which you can obtain or buy throughout the game: As long as you don't Divide the Plunder you can virtually live on forever and sustain a good fencing skill. So make sure to advance to the rank you want before the age of 40.
 * Herbs and Incan Mystic Salve
 * (Perfectly) Balanced Swords
 * Puffy and Silk Fencing Shirts