Matts
Level 3 Valued Member
@Geoff Chafe I'm a generation ahead of you, and reading your list of 'life challenges' wears me out, having been there and done that. My advice would be not to underestimate how much energy it takes to really be attentive for the family and give them your best, emotionally and all, especially when your wife needs special attention, and the shift work is a major stressor, even when you're coping with it well. So make an effort to be good to yourself and take extra care of yourself. On strength training, it seems like you want to hold on to all the strength you've built over the years (duh), but I think you'd be surprised how little strength you'd lose if you went to the right minimal plan, and how quickly you'd get it back when you're back in a less challenging life situation and can get serious about it again. I'd recommend something like a truly minimal program, like S&S with easily managed weights, a 3-5 times a week for maintenance without cutting into reserves, and then cycle through a couple heavier barbell exercises every so often when you're feeling good and have the energy. Good luck with it all!