I have a mobility scooter for when I need to go that bit further than my walking range will allow & i need to keep up with people. I walk like a snail. I used an m-lite one on a recent trip away & it made a world of difference. I am younger than you & whilst I would rather not have one it has given me back that independence you say you crave. People don’t really take any notice of you when you’re out & about on one & there are many younger people that use them. A recent discussion on the forum about scooters is linked below.