Tomorrow I will be 10 years older than you. I am in healing and rehabilitation from a major accident and follow on surgery. So, let me pass on some thoughts for you to consider as "the kid on the block"

Each person has to grapple with their particular flavor of physical difficulties. I think that sooner or later everyone who doesn't die on a bike has to face not being able to ride. For some changes will come gradually. For others changes will come quickly as a matter of disease or accident.

We recognize that whether we want to acknowledge it or not the bodies in which we live are more fragile and require a bit more maintenance than they once did. Malfunctions or accidents we once shrugged off are now significant problems.

But, what matters is that we never, never give up. We don't listen to those who say we should slow down because we are older. We nod politely and then ignore the "for your own good" advice given by medical and social service professionals.

Each person must decide for themself how important the prospect the prospect is of long longevity. Keeping in mind most of us do not know how many days or years we have. That determines what kinds of things we will and will not do. In my personal case longevity, while important, has never been The Goal. For me The Goal has been a mix of making significant contribution to the society in which I live and exploring.

One of my MDs told me the other day that I should never ride long miles or ride in a place I could fall or could be hit by a motor vehicle. He said that to do any of those things could bring a fatal collision or circumstance. If I wanted to live long I should avoid hazardous situations like those. My decision may not be correct for someone else; but I'm ignoring his advice.

Lastly, support by family, friends, even internet aquaintances is very important. In that respect you have done what you should have done; ask for that support.

Bests