Giving up things you love do for medical situations is so sad. For me is was intense outdoor activities, biking, rough terrain hiking, kayaking, x-skiing
I’m sure we both have fond memories of those younger years
It wasn't until I was in my thirties and became familiar with chamber music that I finally developed an ear for proper expression and technique. But I wasn't in the position of getting back into piano until I was well into my sixties, and that's when my eyesight began to dim.
One of my favorite memories was an evening at a friend's house in 1976 where one of the guests, who was a lyric soprano, brought some of her sheet music of art songs. The host had a grand piano, but he wasn't good at sight reading. I sat down and accompanied her in songs by Samuel Barber, Rossini, Johann Strauss II and Schubert. It was one of my best nights.
Sic transit gloria!