Not sure what age has to do with comfort.....some folks like/love a back rest some don't ...thats what makes the world turn....if you are talking about passengers.....I would not have a passenger w/o a back rest...for their comfort and the fact I don't like people touching me while riding, We should be very concerned that our passengers feel safe and enjoy riding with us......the passenger back rest was an issue with my wife as she does have some back issues and the stock butt chock was not working...which prompted a new back rest riser...