I'll have you know that I can absolutely get in and out of the bed of my truck WITHOUT the tailgate step.
I CAN step up on the bumper and then step over the tailgate like it's a low fence.
I CAN put the tailgate down and sit on it, and then swing myself around onto the bed and then stand up.
I CAN put the tailgate down and then crawl up on it on my hands and knees and then stand up.
But........... I only got so much of any of that left in me. I'm trying to save it for other tasks that I must accomplish on my own before the kids decide I need assistant living, So..... I use that wonderfully engineered sissy step that Ford offers.
As for Arky's medical/supplement advice....
I've thought about it, on several occasions, going to GNC and stocking up on a supply of whatever old people should have, but then I remember what one old preacher said once when asked "What do you think it's going to be like when you arrive at the pearly gates?"
He thought for a few seconds and then he smiled and said "I imagine I'm going to stand there for a few minutes taking it all in and then ask myself Why did I take all them vitamins?"