Like the OP, at 68 I'm not as flexible as I used to be and need a higher bar than I did thirty years ago.

My 2007 Waterford has a threaded 1" headset. Like many modern lug sets, the Newvex top head lug is made for a longer head tube extension above the top tube than lugs thirty years ago. We left the steerer tube full length and used four spacers between the headset and the steerer locknut. The quill stem doesn't look abnormally long (because it isn't) and has a standard 17° extension angle, yet the bar is at a comfortable height for me. This setup works well for me without looking too dorky.