'verarbeitet'

[jpz4]

I'm having some trouble finding a proper translation for the word 'verarbeitet'.

It comes from an officer when describing the poor quality of his men:
"'ältere Leute die schon verarbeitet waren, family men."

The translator translated it as 'overworked'. Correct?
Or does it in this context mean that they had become civilians (workers), rather than soldiers?
[It reminds me of the way the term 'verbunkert' is also used to describe men who had spent so much times in bunkers that they had forgotten how to operate outside them.]

Any opinions would be appreciated.

[nichte]

I think "verarbeitet" could mean "spent"?
Hiltraut

[wwilson]

As nichte said. "used up" could also be a translation in this case.

[andrew184]

Maybe a more loose translation such as "past their peak" or "who have their best years behind them."

[jpz4]

Thanks a lot everyone. Very helpful!

[history1]

"ältere Leute die schon verarbeitet waren, family men"

"verarbeitet" is the past tense of "verarbeiten" what means "verwerken" in Dutch.
One would use "überarbeiten/überarbeitet" nowadays in German. All suggestions are correct and might be used instead.