I think cycling has done this for many people. It is always enlightening to hear stories like yours, Catrin. I started riding when I was a couple of years younger than you are. Although I was active, in a gym rat sort of way, outdoor activity totally changed my life and my priorities. And, I've found a lot of people much older than me who are doing amazing things that totally destroy the "public image" of what senior citizens are out there doing.
Keep riding.