With age, I find you do have to be way more careful about exercising and eating good stuff.
I've seen your advice with regard to squats offered in other reputable sources, so I think you're on the right track. I have a trick knee and have been advised not to do them as I'm one injury away from surgery. I could get one of those $2000.00 knee braces, but I find them very uncomfortable. Any alternatives to heavy squats you know of? I do the farmers carry, as it doesn't involve bending the knee and I use some free weights for upper body exercises, but mainly I do bodyweight exercises which I find very effective.