If you’re 67 with health issues it’s probably better to be cautious.
Only you know what your own abilities are and if you feel there’s a potential for accidents where you fish then it’s best to err on the side of caution.
And it sounds stupid I know, but I’ve always felt the best way to avoid accidents is not to have them, lol.
Which goes back to matching marks to your own ability. I appreciate the definition of accidents is unexpected but I don’t know about anyone else, I’m quite anal about being aware when I’m out on the rocks, it’s become second nature now.
When I’m moving or climbing I always try and make damn sure I’ve got a good hand hold or foot hold before shifting my weight or moving. I don’t really even think about it these days, it just comes naturally. It sounds simple but I’ve seen more than one person fall over because they were keen to get to the mark or chatting and not paying attention to what they were doing.
But then I’m not 67 and even in my 40s, there’s marks I won’t attempt now because I feel they’re too risky. I could still do them, I’m sure, but I don’t want to take stupid risks either.
Btw my ‘risky’ threshold is probably higher than most as nearly all our local marks are rock marks that need a bit of climbing and walking, but I’ve been fishing the area most of my life, so it just seems normal to me.
Studded boots have been a bit of a revelation as well!
