I didn't use anything but platforms till I was early 50's. Even as a teen and early twenties when I rode everywhere.
When I started riding long and hard in my 50's, I went to SPD's on my road bike and am happy with the Shimano A520's.
I've screwed myself sometimes and didn't clip out when I felt I'd be able to make a crossing. But the times I lost the bet and had to stop I just did a slow... TIMBER!!!. But it doesn't hurt surprisingly. You just get up and go. Embarrassed of course. Make sure to do the Rocky dance with your arms up... the spectators love it.
So if you ride seriously and at a fast cadence, I recommend you try them.