Sorry, I must disagree here. I see no reason of exploring aging and death, maybe if the series had been set in a period of 100-200 years and the scenario would have included all characters, but not for one, single character.
I do think there are enough of tear-filled soap operas on TV which covers such scenarios.
I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on this then. I personally believe that issues like aging and death are pretty much avoided by a Hollywood that worships youth and beauty. The only Trek episode that explored the issue at all was the TOS one where Kirk & Co. caught a disease which was of course magically cured by the end of the episode. Another lost opportunity, imo.