Fifty Plus (50+) - Triathlon shorts

I was recently complaining of perineal pain and numbness and a bike shop employee suggested I try triathlon shorts as they have less padding which does not bunch up and cause discomfort in this area. I have been using the tri shorts for a little over a month and am very pleased. I still get some numbness after about 90 minutes, but if I stand in the pedals for a couple of minutes, it goes away. I have almost no perineum pain and when I do, I can just shift position for a bit and I'm good. I'm just getting back into biking after a long time off and my longest ride is only about 30 miles. Don't know if this will work for everyone, but for those of you experiencing pain in this area, it might be worth a try.

I have some tri shorts that I use when I actually am doing a duathlon (not a swimmer), and you're right that they're short on padding. But maybe you'd also get good results from a higher-end pair of regular bike shorts. There really is a difference; my $100 Pearl Izumi Elites are much more comfortable in the padded area and all over than my $40 pair of Canari-brand shorts.

Bike shorts should not bunch up. If they do, you're wearing too large a size. You may have to get a size smaller than you think you should- I'm 6' tall and need to wear size "small" shorts.
Some high quality shorts have thinner padding than others.

OTOH if the tri shorts work for you, use 'em.

I wear Pearl Izumi bibs that have a good minimal chamois. I can't stand those bulky chamois. There is not room in the shorts for all that and me too.

As with a lot of things, riding shorts are a "personal preference" thing. Wear what you find comfortable.

Also try standing on the pedals more. Just about anyone experiences numbness if you don't get off the saddle occassionally