FWIW, a German rider joined our Wednesday Wheeler group for one ride (30-mile road). He was wearing a helmet with a chin guard, shoulder pads (from motocross?), elbow pads, knee pads, and padded gloves. He really stood out! He had crashed the previous year and this made him feel more comfortable.

Why not? The stuff didn't weigh much and it would offer MAJOR protection if he went down.

One friend - 71, my age - wears arm covers specifically so he doesn't get sand or gravel or scraped as badly if he does fall. I think he's "used" them about 3 times in the last 5 years. He also uses them for sun protection. He rides a lot - I think he rode over 1,000 miles every month last year (in NE).

PS - Major disadvantage = EVERY rider will ask you why you're dressed weird...
PPS - In my 7 years of riding, I've crashed twice (broke a hip, concussion and crack in pelvis). Both sucked! But I just wear a helmet and glasses.