Here for a good time and (hopefully) a long time.

Not sure if this is the best place in the forum (and hopefully not a repeat), however I was hoping to start a conversation around ways to maintain the body for climbing hills as long as possible.

As I'm now moving through the fourth decade of life, I'm finding that the big walks are starting to take more of a toll. Recoveries are longer, energy is a bit lower, and there definitely a growing sense that the vitality of youth isn't indefinite. Like many, I've heard all the stories of old hunters having wrecked backs/knees/hips, which is something I'd like to avoid if possible.

I imagine that keeping a base level of fitness goes a long way, but was wondering if there were any particular practices that have helped others stay in good shape/avoid injuries as the years wear on?

start using walking sticks earlier and avoid running with a pack on.
55 and getting a hip done shortly (August) and 1 knee starting to give pain. (plus usual sprained ankles indoor netball/vollyball, , broken wrists / forearm from mountain biking etc.)
close mate getting his hip next week.

Keep weight down, allowing an extra 10 kg on adds a lot up the uphills and knees on the downhills. And it gets really hard to lose. Stretch and from time to time lie flat on the floor or even with a small rolled up town under your spine to striaghten up your posture.
Z

Genetics and luck are pretty big factors as long as you don't carry too much weight . . . .

I am knocking 78 and can still get around the hills, albeit a bit slower and a bit lower than I used to. I don't do any specific training and am a bit overweight but I keep active, walk a few k's with the dog every day and fit in at least one hill walk a week, not long distance but enough to feel the body working. Doing the same course all the time means you can monitor the improvement as you go. The other advantage is that I now realise that I probably walked past more animals down lower in my youthful rush to get to the tops. More stops and lots of glassing produces better results.

Hunt slower. You will notice more game, unless your hearing and vision are packing it in too! :D