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I'm 56, and yeah, strength does diminish with age regardless of what I'd like to believe.

I would repectfully disagree with this widely held but from what I've read on the subject false belief.

All the studies I've read say that while you do lose muscle strength/flexibility/endurance as you age, it's more because people STOP exercising thinking I'm too old for that stuff ;D

People who keep up with their exercise habits, ESPECIALLY weight training which is for both men and women can keep you just as strong as you were in your younger days with one minor difference.

As we age, our skin sags, You can't beat gravity sans surgery. So you won't look as good in your Speedos, but you can still lift and lug the load IF you keep at it.

Most people used to retire and sit on the couch, growing fat and sickly.
Boomers are the first generation that realize you don't have to give up what you love, at least until you six feet under ;)

I work with a guy who's 50 ( just a kid) ;) He's competing in a natural body building contest and at 6'3" and 220lbs, is as strong as kids half his age. Genetics plays a part as does a good diet.

When your young, you have a naturally higher metabolism. You can eat poorly and work it off if you exercise hard enough. Once you hit 30 or so, you metabolism slows and eating healthy becomes paramount. As important as your exercise program.

If your finding it hard to hit your ideal weight and exercise faithfully, better check your diet ;)  Most people eat way more calories than they need and don't even realize it.  Tourists from other countries come here and the first thing they notice is our portion size :o

I don't exercise because I think it will make me live so many more years. I exercise for the quality of life. Being able to do what you love longer. I guess if you love being a couch potato, this doesn't apply too you ;D

PS,
Kudos to your wife Jimbo! She and You will never regret her losing the weight and getting fitter. There are added benefits to being fit that have nothing too do with paddling ;)