We currently run 52/42/30 with 11/34 cassette.
We live in Arizona, so yes there are hills/mountains.
We are ages 80/78 and still manage to do OK.
Way-back-when in the 1970s, we ran 56/42/28 with 13/28 freewheel. Front cage was customized (brazed-on extra length to cage) to handle the front der.
Gear needs vary greatly between couples