I was told at 35 that Id not make it to 40 without back surgery. Im 42 now and still going without ever having it done.I discovered that loose hamstrings, calves and hips make up for a LOT of spine imperfections and lack of core strength.
I still walk on concrete for long hours each day , lift heavy objects all day and do a lot of stooping,bending and kneeling and weigh too much. I do more calf stretches than anything as they seem to do the most good, followed by hamstretches.
when pressed for time I will do a toe touch stretch to loosen the whole group at once. at first I couldnt touch my toes, but now have worked my way to be able to place all but the palm of my hand on the floor and hold it for as long as needed. I am going to work up to my palm touching too but am not there yet.
as much as I hate to "waste time" stretching, it is a daily need that I can tell if I skip, especially the calf stretches and bike riding takes care of keeping my hips loose too