Originally Posted by
John E
I am you age (turning 69 this summer). I agree with you on the wider tires, which is why I am building up my project bikes with wider rims that can take 32 or even 35mm tires. You do not lose much efficiency (peak efficiency rolling efficiency reportedly comes at about 15 percent vertical deflection), although the increased rotational inertia does compromise your acceleration.
There is a trade-off between larger tires adding some comfort with the corresponding weight detracting. My solution (for pavement rides) is 25/28mm tubulars with supple sidewalls. Off-road goes 30mm for packed gravel, 32s with small knobs for softer conditions (all tubulars). If conditions require wider than 32mm, the rigid mtn bike gets the call to duty over any of my roadies.
Back on the topic of gearing and aging --
If a person is going to cycle late into life, some compromises are inevitable.
It's a matter of how you deal with it based on your individual situation, lot's of alternatives available.
From easier or shorter rides, to taking more breaks on harder rides, to lower gearing, to...…..e-bikes.
Aging happens - gracefully or fitfully - deal with it. 