I'm not sure my experience will be what you want to hear. I have suffered several meniscal tears (many years back)...always with the hope of repair through rest, ice, elevation. It never happened and surgery was required.

As a matter of fact, I know several people that have followed the same protocol for their tears...all ending up with surgery.

There are several factors that have to be considered...age being at the top of the list. These types of injuries are not as likely to heal on their own in older people. Activity (lack of), overweight, and even poor diet also play a role, but I don't think any of these are issues for you...and the opposite will therefore benefit your possible healing. But the age factor alone could play a significant role, as you know. The older the body, the more it lacks in healing properties, joint fluid, and regeneration of connective tissue.

But I will say the surgery is easy, outpatient, and your up on your feet in quick order, so lose very little exercise time. You may actually lose more time through this process of resting, elevation, and PT...especially if it still ends up in having to do the surgery. But I certainly understand wanting to try to have this repair on it's own. And I wish you much luck on this process and hope you keep us posted.