jim, pot works! i'm 53 as well and smoked pot in teens and twenties but returned to it a few years ago. it relaxes me and makes me want to eat and gives me a lift. i recommend it. try a local dispensary and talk to them. they are usually very knowledgable about which types are good for pain. try the edibles and stya away from smoking which is bad for the lungs. make a tea with the buds, swallow them, chew them or eat it in a cookie or brownie. trsut me, it works!