Emma, I am at the projected 5 years and then some. I was about 55 to 60 when my life exploded. I did not know what was going on! I did never have the urge to wear female clothing, I just tried as hard as possible to be a man, until my funny biological make up decided different.
Anyway, I went the route of slow transition, until this did not work anymore. There is life after becoming an older woman.
I was lucky and did not lose any friends or relatives (all from my wife's side, I have no relatives left) , and most important, my son and his wife stand fully behind me. I am now pretty good friends with my ex again, and she is one of my "consultants" now (we live about 2000 miles apart now, but texting and email makes everything possible). In fact, I gained a whole lot of new friends, and my circle of friends is now larger and of better quality.
My life as an older woman is good, full of fun stuff and pleasure. My only problem are the lone evenings, and i don't know if this will ever change again!
I wish you lots of luck, love and most important, strength!
Linde