I just turned 77 earlier this month and still hunt or fish something as near every day as seasons/weather permit so perhaps the rambling,miscellaneous thoughts that follow may help someone or give some food for thought.
I also believe in Intermittent fasting and my version sounds identical to that of bojangles above-except I use a blast of Stevia with my AM coffee(s) instead of creamer.I as well do not have a strict diet but rather just try to eat fairly well.I have my sins-ice cream, blue corn chips/cheddar cheese covered with Salsa,and gorp including cashews and M n Ms.I don't sweat that a bit but rather know I will just work it off.Diets suck.I enjoy eating.On the other hand,I don't drink or smoke.Despite snowshoeing near daily after coyotes all winter I know I'll gain 6-8 lbs every winter.Again,no sweat,enjoy it.Just work it off pre Fall.No doubt it does get harder with age though.
I have always been wound tight.A true 'A'.I'm also capable of easily stressing myself out(Covid has done a great job)so I have been forced to recognize that and deal with it as best as I can.Remedy?Hard physical work,hard exercise and most importantly for me,sleep.I rarely sleep more than 6 hours but try to get more plus a 'nap' if feasible in times of stress.
I believe in goals.I have long and short term ones that motivate me and keep me focused on doing whats necessary to achieve them.I do push myself to get there.Sometimes maybe a bit too hard.If pushing gets to the 'stressful' level,I've learned to slow down or back off.Give it time.
Examples?a long term one would involve elk hunting.I fell in love with archery elking in the 80s.I set a goal of getting a bull in 3 different States.Now I've done it in 5 plus a rifle bull in BC.
Short term example?
Presently working on getting my new lab comfortable with nearby shooting from his blind next to my field blind.
Physical activity.Simply believe in the 'use it or lose it' attitude cause,with age,you discover it's true.No longer a 'weights' guy.I use 5lb barbells maybe 3 times a week in a series of 6-7 'lifts'.
I do a brief stretching routine each morning that takes may be 5 minutes thats starts with ankle movements and ends with neck twists or rolls.Nothing big,nothing drastic,quick.That's it.I live on a 'farm' that we retired on and it keeps me busy.On this land and other land I own I try create and maintain dream wildlife habitat and,trust me,that will keep you in shape.Pretty much year around.Try find a hobby or something similar that you enjoy but need to really physically work at.
I used to 'run'.A lot.Up to 15 miles a day.Excessively in my present opinion.It hurt my knees and feet I believe.Now I walk-a lot.Starting in May it will be with a pack with 20`40 lbs in it.
That leads me to comment on gear.My pack nowadays is a Tarryall vs a Reckoning or bigger.Downsizing near everything becomes required with age.60lb bow vs 75.20 ga vs 12.In some terrain,maybe higher more supportive boots.Gear changes are just necessary-don't fight it.
Of course consequences flow from all this.More planning becomes required to 'continue'.Maybe hang stands only 12-15 up feet vs 18-22.Maybe 'flatter' elk terrain,2 day max spike camps from your camper or pickup,maybe no longer going it alone,arranging for a packer,carrying an InReach,etc.Planning and 'thought' requirements increase with age BUT you can still do it! I hunt slower and smarter.Maybe I cover 5 miles a day bugling vs 12,maybe I sit in a tree or at a wallow,but I can still do it-and so can you.
Dang,sorry about the 'book'.Few more misc:
1.You may outlive or move from friends.Try find younger tough ones.They WILL motivate you.Hard to find but try.
2.Along those lines,consider mentoring kids re hunting/fishing.Great motivation and taking young kids has opened up thousands of private acres to me to hunt.
3.If location permits,get a dog.Want to stay 'young'?Get a dog.
I hope to go pretty hard another 10 years.We'll see.I'm motivated and have my goals looking forward.
Good health and hunting to all!
