Hi Dean, might I just say that you are living the life that I am always dreaming of. If you could write more about how you live so durable, or about a few typical days living in the countryside, I would love to read it. My boyfriend and me are sometimes thinking of buying a small cabin in the Slovenian mountains. But being a city-girl, I am always a bit lost on where to start. And I am also quite pathetic around insects. So yeah...
About living in retirement, I bet that living the way you and your wife live will surely prolong a healthy life! Doing physical work and eating healthy is already the best thing you can do.
I would still say, avoid as many stairs as possible. Breaking something usually takes away all the fun.
In any case, good luck with all the efforts!