I am the same age and can truly relate. Last year after having back surgery I left a very stressful desk job to work from home writing grants. I was blessed to be able to go on my husband's insurance which made it possible but I am truly much more healthy and certainly happier.
We have had to take care of two elderly parents in the past 5 years, and we had to stop going out to dinner and vacations but my husband says it is work it all to "have my wife back". It is worth it to me to have my health back, I feel wonderful.
Is it tough financially, absolutely, it reminds me of what it was like when my husband was in graduate school and I clipped coupons and watched every penny. But what is funny is that was one of our happiest times together.
I know you cannot retire yet, but you might want to look at other options....lots of people do what you do from home, at least the research part of it.
Keep you head up and keep the faith, if other options don't work for you, just keep your eyes and ears open and all will work out.
I keep being reminded of what my Mom said, be careful what you wish for....I got what I wished for and then wanted something else, before I knew it I was 57 years old 
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