Odds of Hanging On
The odds of staying in are pretty good if you work hard and don't succumb to the stress. Many surgeons don't like to retire. In fact, there's an urban legend that says surgeons die within a year after retirement because they don't know what to do with themselves. A brain surgeon in his or her seventies isn't uncommon.
At least you know they've got a lot of experience. By staying sane and fit, you too can make it a lifelong career.
Hospitals are hectic as all get-out, so unless you're the nonstop type, you probably don't want to work in one for your whole career.
Luckily, not all neurosurgeons work at hospitals. Many have their own private practices that specialize in specific problems such as tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, pediatric disorders, and epilepsy. Others work for universities or teach at medical schools. Even if you're not in the operating room, you can still make a long, steady living by being a brain doc.