Who are you calling old timer? ;-)

how long do plan to ride this bike?

My dad is 87, he might have trouble clearing the top tube on any bike. ;-)

I’m closing on 60. I stopped riding a 50 cm frameset 15 years ago. Now, i switch off riding 2 different 52 cm framesets because on the recommendation of my bike fitter friend. 52cm was simply a much better fit. Clearing the top tube isn’t an issue either way.

I’m not an md, but spinal compression with age is real. I haven’t heard much about leg compression. So you should be safe standing over your touring bike for decades.