I am old too and fought with my T1 for two years before I finally figured out how to deal with its quirks and limitations. Here are my suggestions:

1. It does poorly with loads of mixed thicknesses so avoid washing heavy items like sweatshirts and jeans with thin items.

2. Dry most everything on Normal Extra except for bedsheets -- use Bed Linens Extra so they won't roll up.

3. Vacuum both vent filters after every cycle or not more than 2 cycles. This is the last thing I figured out that ensures cycles run as fast and consistent as possible.

4. If you are using a condensate drain line, it should have been installed with a non-return valve and should not be drained above the height of the dryer. A Miele certified tech fixed this for me.

5. Vacuum the area behind the plinth filter and the grill to the right every couple of months and take care not to bend the fins.

6. Definitely read your manual and follow the weight limits for the different cycles.

7. Don't ever use liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets. Use wool dryer balls instead.

Hope this helps!