carry lotsa water, drink lotsa water.
if you're not thirsty, drink even more water.
0% humidity in the desert, you dehydrate quickly.
replace your salts, carry electrolyte powder.
slather on the sunscreen, wear a loose, cotton long-sleeve shirt.
take lotsa breaks, stop at the general stores, sit in the shade and chat.

rv's, trucks, tour buses are good sources of emergency water. hopefully not needed, as
you've marked water points on your map before you set out.

as to whether it's a good idea to take this route for your first tour at age 60...........