I'm also a 50+ rider with a herniated disk in my upper spine, and I spend a lot of time in the drops, I find it quite comfortable. The key is having a bike that fits properly. I tried a so-called "relaxed geometry" bike (Specialized Roubaix) and found it heavy and unwieldy. It reminded of me of why I never rode much on my old hybrid. That more upright position is not for everyone. I ride a Fuji SL-1 and a Specialized Allez, both aggressive racing geometry bikes with short head tubes.