I was around 50 when I finally became completely debt free, turned out to be a good move as my company did away with my job when I was 52, I did get a good pension from being with them for 30 years. You can live on a surprisingly small amount if you aren't making any payments, especially if the kids are grown and gone like mine was. I never looked for employment since, I have been retired for 21 years so far. I had a few small savings plans in place so when new car time came around I could pay cash.
I have found that excuses abound when it comes to making a debt free lifestyle a goal, most people put it off until it is too late, much like planning for retirement. If you are living on a small fixed income in your old age it is your fault. I made retirement savings on an equal plane with a house payment or car payment starting when I was 22 and just out of the Army.