In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the protagonist reflects on the subtle signs that indicate the onset of decline, both in health and perhaps in the broader sense of life. He contemplates the various symptoms, from physical discomforts to cognitive slips, that one might experience as they approach the end of their vitality. The list of minor yet telling signs illustrates a deep sense of anxiety about mortality and the unpredictability of life.

This moment of introspection captures the universal human concern over aging and the inevitable decline that follows. The character's musings reveal an awareness of life’s fragility and the fear of losing one's capabilities, prompting readers to consider their own experiences with the passage of time and the signs that life is changing. It emphasizes the complexity of recognizing life's transitions and the lingering hope for clarity amidst uncertainty.