I wasnt aware of his age, and I certainly dont consider 49 OLD, but when you get to the 60's, an aging body just isnt equipped to handle the activity of a 20 y.o., no matter how much maintenance you have put into it.
Those 5000 mile tuneups just go so far. But I keep tryin to rev that motor, and am always pumping that stick shift.... eventhough its gettin a bit creaky