I am one of those guys 70+ yo and playing twice a week. Our local rink has noon drop in hockey from 12 to 2 every week day, so on Tuesday there is a good group of retired guys who show up. On Friday, some of us better older players skate with much better and younger players, and we have a ball. We are respected as legends and locker room camraderie and joking is great. I cruise when I want, play no defense and occasionally make the beautiful move or pass... all for $8 dollars.
F going out and coming home after midnight, playing with clowns who can't wrap their pinheads around "rec hockey" and the cost is less and the ice time longer.... win win win!
Keep playing and remember.... it's supposed to be fun and make you feel like a kid again!