Puppy v rehoming

I will be 75 next month and would like to get another dog when my dear old lad goes. I am afraid of rehoming as there seem to be so many dogs with 'issues' and I think it is easier to train a puppy than try to retrain an older dog. I have had dogs all my life and can't imagine life without one. I have looked at the rescue centres and most seem to be of the bull type which is not for me. I have always had them from being puppies and never had one I couldn't train within a reasonable time. Obviously because of my age adequate arrangements would be made for if the time came when I could no longer manage it. I am very fit and active and my family have been walking dogs well into their 90s. Breed rehoming seemed to be an option but most are too far away from where I live. Kennel club breeders of labs (my first choice) are in my area. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.