61 years old
The wife and I were certified 1977. Still my only dive buddy. Equipment then was a tank with metal band, no spg, j valve with a rod to pull when breathing got hard, a horse collar vest with oral inflators, and the navy tables. I know that was the "good old days", but diving is MUCH safer now.
In the old days I dived lakes, quarries, sinkholes, oil rigs, Caribbean, West coast beaches, anywhere wet. Now we mostly dive Cozumel (home away from home) but occasionally go to Bonaire or Little Cayman. About 50-60 dives a year.
Instructor certified but haven't taught a class in 30 years. I wouldn't want me for an instructor!
My advice? Marry your dive buddy.