Several people I work with say I am going to have health problems when I get old because I work hard physically. Things such as back problems, arthritis, etc.

I totally disagree. I am in better shape then most of them. Not overweight at all. I do all sorts of physical things myself - digging ditches, shoveling rock, putting in sprinkler systems, putting down pavers and lifting sand bags.

Will I really be broken down when I get older because of this?

Absolutely not! If anything you will be extending your life by being active. Arthritis is basically a disease that attacks a joint that has been injured and not caused by hard work.

A lot of folks who retire and then sit on the front porch in a rocking chair will be dead within 10 years. A person who is active and uses his muscles will definitely be around for years and years.

My grandfather was over 85 and had a delivery job for a pharmacy. When he was in an accident and had to stay home it about drove him nuts as he was so used to being active. He never did sit on the proverbal porch in the rocking chair.

Pay no attention to the folks at work. Just keep doing what you're doing but keep in mind that you need to properly pace yourself and not to overly strain yourself and if you are injured to let your injury properly heal.

Your constantly wearing at your joints no matter what you do. Exercise is good for anything just make sure your using proper body mechanics. Use stronger muscles such as (biceps/triceps) (quads/hamstrings) and not your back extensors.