Recently, I was diagnosed as having arthritis in my thumb areas. Grasping barbells and dumbbells is intermittently a challenge, but doesn't preclude curls, benches, etc. But it's been a wakeup call because, previously, I was working out like I was 25. Primarily, I've adjusted my workouts to preclude injury or aggravating existing injuries. I won't give up weightlifting until I am physically unable.