You are correct that I want to maintain as much strength as my age allows, and I am quite fortunate to have no major mechanical issues to deal with. I'm certainly aware that I'll never ever approach the strength, balance, and flexibility of my youth, but improvement is possible; I'm sure of that. I just haven't known enough about the body to understand what the limits and conditions are for this age. I work with a trainer weekly and I've never hurt myself with his guidance. I have a fantastic physical therapist who so far has dealt with each self-inflicted injury successfully. Both of them are young, in their 30's, and although they know a lot about the ageing body, it cannot be an intimate knowledge since they have never experienced it. I sure was surprised how many things change.
I tried yoga but it just didn't register with me. It seems a bit mystical. Once upon a time I linked up with a Pilates trainer and was quite impressed with her approach, but of course I live in a rural village and have no access to that kind of trainer here. Someday I may have to begin chair workouts but that's not right for me now.
I just wish there was a verifiable approach to strength training and endurance for this age. but in the meantime I'll just have to pace myself more carefully and be sensitive to any new pains or physical glitches. There should be more known about this though. I see in this thread that each one seems to adjust to their own perception of what is required. And caution is the overriding concern. Perhaps it should be but I have had success in strength training with balance and flexibility improvements. I believe I need to keep pushing in that direction but it is so hard to figure out how much is too much.
I'll find out today whether my elbow problem is tendonitis or something else, and then start that recovery. At least the hip is getting good again so I can start running but from now on it will be running/walking with advice from my younger guides.