Howard why force something that is not there>? You have to be 100% driven to do ANYTHING in life great! Sure we all see these bodybuilders that compete, some for the fame, some for therapy, some like the tight schedule, some for personal reasons...But only champions do it from their heart, they have that passion ! Look on IG or Facebook, you see these "competitors" that win shows, they get 1st place out of only one competitor in their class or 2nd place out of 3 competitors. Their placement is out of default. Now they call themselves 'National Competitors" and get smoked at the National level, and their physique is not even close to being 50% in contest shape/condition. But hey if that is what makes them feel good OK right?
In life we all have to do things we really do not like for the most part. Some of it is work, pay child support, chores, go to family get togethers, deal with family death or illness etc...But on YOUR time, do what YOU like, what makes you happy, brings you joy. If it competitive bodybuilding, do it! Try training around the injuries, or just train, do cardio and diet but don't step on the competitive stage.
As we age, the body slows down, you, Wes and I have been at this thing called bodybuilding for a long-long time. We cannot do EVERYTHING now like we did 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago, but if you (anybody) has passion and heart you (they) will find many ways to break through the barriers go through the obstacles.
Bottom line: you have to find something that brings you passion and go for it--give it 100% day in and day out, most people call that a hobby, but if it is bodybuilding...I call it a life style...competitive or non competitive.
And I still love it!