Well yet another late reply but Im 53 have had multiple broken bones fractured hip 2 herniated disks, 2 hernias, high bp, I eat pretty much what ever I want but will not eat "fast food" I smoke and enjoy a cold beer with an occasional single malt tossed in for good measure. Yet I still wear the same size pants as in high school . One of my favorite statements is , "You dont quit riding because you get old, You get old because you quit riding" . Stay active stretching is definately a prerequiste.