Just turned 74 and yeah, muscle mass is a bit down as is strength from when I was 65, but function seems to be holding nicely. By function I mean being able to do MA at a fairly high level, do physical chores and still feeling like I'm in better shape than most healthy 50-year-olds.
I don't squeeze out those last couple of reps like I used to, but that's more of not wanting to drop dead at the gym than major strength loss. Many older high level martial artists have suffered strokes, and I don't plan to be one of them. So, I eased off going for heavy weight and don't push myself as hard. I take extra time between sets and check for my face getting red. This is a flag that should not be ignored, indicating it's time to rest for another minute or two before resuming the workout.
When I walk into the gym, the desk person greets with "enjoy your workout." Like that's going to happen! It's torturous and exhausting and nothing I look forward to. But if I don't do it, I feel like I've let myself down. Definitely a love/hate relationship, but it sure beats giving up and becoming an "old man."
