What does Vladek's attitude toward his medication tell you about his feelings on survival?

Art visits his aging father again in Rego Park. When he arrives, Vladek is dividing his pills into daily doses. In all, he takes over thirty pills a day, including six for his heart, one for diabetes, and more than twenty-five vitamins. He tells his son that prescription medications are only "junk food," and that to stay healthy, he must fight on his own. They sit at the table, and Vladek continues his story. Despite all his pills, Vladek still lives in the past. His survival used to be based on strength and intelligence. Vladek would like to believe he still has these traits.