Although I'm not 50+, after reading this thread I felt I had to post! I have just started riding fixed (am 23!), but have front and rear brakes. From a number of posters in here it seems as though some think that you can't have brakes on a fixed gear.

You can, and should.

I find them great fun, and am just building up another! Also slowing down / skidding with your legs is pretty bad for your knees - hence the need for brakes!

Daven