I really enjoyed reading these post. I will be 48 Mar 31. My sons 29th was yesterday. I called and told him Happy Birthday do you know your only 11 years away from your midlife crisis!
Pop Hiked till he was 72. His last trip was Isle Royale. He said it about killed him, It wasnt the backpacking it was the Cancer.I know one thing best advice to continue backpacking as we age. Get light and stay light,and bye all means where geography makes a Hammock functional,Use one. They are the best, go to bed sore and wake up fresh.
Swims you are the man! Good for you ,you have every right to be proud! That is awsome.
I am proud of my self just to be backpacking and getting some excersise. It also makes it special that my oldest son enjoys doing it with me! I wish all the kids did,but no complaints.

It is better to try and fail than to never try at all!