As I recall, there are some studies that show that a daily baby aspirin can be helpful for general heart health. I you were taking an adult aspirin, that may have been the issue.
> I think it's safe to say if it's recommended for cancerous old folks, it's safe to take for average people.
I'm not sure why you would think that. There are many things we are willing to prescribe to older people because they are unlikely to suffer long-term negative effects.