My first production bow at age 14 was a Bear Polar of 43#. By age 20, my favorite was a Hill Longbow of 72# then 80 and 90 lbs. I continued to shoot heavy bows until around age 56.
About 10 yrs. earlier, I had built a 69# longbow that out shot all my heavy bows, so I started to cut back, realizing the heavier was always best.
A car accident, when I was 56, resulted in neck and shoulder injuries, and forced a layoff for 10 yrs. After a great deal of therapy and exercise I resumed shooting, but with a used Robertson Stykbow "Mystical" in 64#. Today, I mostly shoot 54# - 66#.
I workout several days a week, and include shoulder exercises to strengthen my rotator cuff, following an impinged R.C. With the right exercise, I should be able continue shooting, pain free.