JimK-NY wrote:

I am now approaching my 80s and the differences in capabilities of people my age is huge. Some people are fit, active and able to do lots of things at my age and even well into their 90s. Others barely make it in independent or assisted living facilities. A great many others are already dead.

Genetics and luck are certainly important. Unfortunately most of us have not and do not live a lifestyle that is healthy. I am a reformed smoker, reformed drinker, and after some serious health issues and a couple of stents, I am moving towards being a "health nut". You probably do not want to hear my advice, but here are a few comments anyway.

First, the average American is killing themselves with excess calories and poor food choices. Obesity is very common. You cannot expect to live an active life in older age if you spend most of your life time eating poorly and carrying 20, 50 or a 100 pounds or more of fat. You cannot expect to live a long active life if you do not exercise. Health professionals recommend roughly 150 hours/week of exercise. For me that means a heart rate in the range of 101-122 or slightly higher. Less than that falls into the category of activity, not exercise.

I spent my Covid years doing very little. I also had some serious health issues including a heart CTO, afib, emphysema, systemic sclerosis, and anemia. I just finished 36 sessions of cardiac rehab and am now going to the gym 3x/week. I surely cannot totally reverse years of overeating and lack of exercise, but I have learned I can make a huge difference in my health and ability to do things. This Sunday I will be taking off for a 4 month trip in my truck camper.

Anyway back to the OP. You probably do not want to do any research and learn about the capabilites of the average person in their 80s. I can tell you for sure it will be discouraging. Next, I recommend you totally reconsider your lifestyle. If you have "settled in" to living and "sitting around doing nothing", consider some alternatives. Even RV travel might not do much for you. especially if that means sitting around a campground. Maybe you should consider photography, or bird watching, or rock hounding, any reason to get you out on the trails putting in some miles of hiking and exploring.