As a mature adult, it stands tall and strong and ready to face the challenges of nature. One may have a smoother, healthier complexion. The arm on anther appears to be waving hello. There a handsome, firm saguaro standing next to a rather mutated fellow. Like people, no two look alike.
Age catches up to the saguaro as it does in the human race.
After a century or maybe even two, the saguaro starts to slump and lose color. Wrinkles and creases may appear. Inevitably, life begins to fade until all that is left is a scattering of cactus bones. A long life comes to an end, but a new one begins under the protection of a nurse plant, giving another saguaro tender loving care until it's ready to go it alone. Saguaros have long been revered and today are protected in order to preserve these guardians of the Sonoran Desert.