Hi and welcome to HCM.
Hernia, ventral or inguinal is common disorders and it is easily treated and recovery is fast and safe.His age isnt contraindsication for surgery, but it is up to you and him will he be operated. Hernia may cause pain and discomfort and sometimes can serious comlications occur such as strangulation or incarcerations. If he has any sign of it he should be surgically treated. If not, then he can wait till and if complciations occur or he can go for surgery now and prevent it. WIsh you good health.

Hi ! You general condition of your family member is not very clear from the above. If the pre anesthetic check up has cleared him for surgery, he should undergo surgery for a hernia as it might give him more trouble without notice any time. Now a days, anesthesia and surgery have undergone a lot of improvement in terms of lowering the risks of both. Therefore, I would definitely suggest surgery if he is considered fit by the anesthesiologist and the treating physician. Take care.