From what I remember from my history courses, it was honorable to die in combat and; dishonorable to be captured. How were those that fought in battles and wars treated if they managed to make it home alive? Would Vikings still make it to Valhalla? How would they be treated in daily life?
I'm not sure about Vikings but elderly Spartan men could be elected into the Gerousia, a council of elders made up of 30 men over 60 years old who typically held office for life. There were also the Ephors, 5 elected high officials who aside from the two kings held the most power. While I'm not sure if there was an age limit to this group they were likely often older, well known men.
In short elder Spartan men, essentially all of them by then being veterans of many battles (there were long stretches when the Spartans weren't warring with anyone however) could enter high governmental offices. They were an influential and respected part of society. It is possible that there may still have been something of a stigma towards these men as they were no longer prime fighters in a society dedicated to producing prime fighters, but even if there was the society still held these men in high esteem.