I had my right hip (I am right handed) replaced using an anterior procedure at the end of 2022 in my mid-50's because I had no cartilage remaining in that hip due to a traumatic injury from many years ago. I suffered for about 2.5-3 yrs prior to the replacement. While I am not 70+, I have had multiple orthopedic surgeries throughout my life where I had to recover (legs, arms, spine). I was able to start putting and chipping around 6 weeks after the hip replacement, and started hitting half wedge shots at 60 days post surgery. Once I was at 90 days, the surgeon cleared me for full activity and the day after that, I went to Myrtle Beach and played 18 holes followed by two more days playing the same. The 90 days was his practice to ensure the replacement parts were permanently seated and to give time for any necessary bone to fill in to assure all stayed in place. Mainly due to weather, I did not resume walking to play until about 4 months after surgery. I think in reality, I could have resumed at 60 days post surgery. I would tell you or anyone that the better you prepare beforehand to strengthen your body to support whatever is going to be repaired or any surgery, given the chance to do so, the shorter your recovery will be. Best way to do that is to stay active, and make fitness a normal part of your life.

Had my left hip done in December of 2022 at the age of 61. I was up and walking the same day and they had me walk every day during recovery. Was up to about a mile after a few weeks. Started doing chips and pitches after a couple months and was full swing by March (?) I want to say. I had the anterior approach done. From what I've read and experienced, recovery is quickest this way. Like everyone says, I wish that I'd done it about a year sooner. Going on four years and have no limitations at all.

Sorry you're going through that Don. I can't speak to a hip replacement (although i know i have arthritis in the right hip), but I've had 5 knee surgeries. I'll be 70 this summer.I'm 8 weeks post op from hopefully my last surgery, which was a total right knee replacement. I just this week started swinging an iron on my back porch, without any pain or inflammation. I've got 3 more weeks of PT and am hoping to get clearance to hit wedges and 9 irons around Feb1.

Walking has not been a problem.

When you have the surgery done, and I can't stress this enough, stay with the PT regimen. the Dr. gives you. It's tough at first but will pay dividends in the end.

Best of luck.

Thanks for all the comments. I was hoping strength training would help me get by. Hasn’t made a difference. I may be forced to ride more rounds this year. As for post-op, I have motivation to ambulate. My motivator, an Australian Shepherd, will try to limit her activities to a mile. She is much more used to close to 3 miles. The 2 of us share that expectation.
I will now try to find more information on techniques, since the anterior approach was mentioned twice. Even as a retired healthcare provider I find my best insurance policy for my care is to be as knowledgeable as possible.

Like Guy but I had my right hip done. Posterior surgery. 63 years old. I was standing & marching in place 6 hours after surgery, walking out the hospital the next morning.
One thing I would recommend you do is get into the best shape you can, it makes recovery so much easier & faster. After the surgery, I worked out twice a day at home with the exercises the Hospital Physiotherapist gave me. Lots of walking. Physotherapy. Carpet putted 30 minutes a day, it did wonders for my putting.
I was given the green light for full motion 7 weeks after surgery. Hit balls at the range for a week & started playing golf at the 8 week mark. The hip replacement improved my quality of life 150%, no more pain!
I'm coming up on my 3 year anniversary with my new hip.
Good Luck.

Have buddies in my senior group who have had it. Get up a walk as soon as possible. Increases the recovery time. Know it has helped my back recovery. Good luck buddy. As we get older we do not recover as easy. Even though I had a successful back surgery, I have arthritis in the lower back and they cannot fix that. At 79, what do you expect. Some of them have had both replaced at the same time. Insane in my book. But we have a miracle orthopedic surgeon here in Mt Pleasant who has done thousands of knees and hips.

I've had both done. 2004 for the left and 2017 for the right. I was chipping and pitching in 9 weeks. Do your PT thoroughly and listen to your therapist. Select an experienced surgeon, one who does at least 50 procedures a year. Mine did over 100 a year.