How do I clear and level this area?

You do need at least a slight slope away from the house for proper drainage. You do not want to have to deal with expensive water intrusion issues. Here are a couple links to get you started! And YES, you can do this yourself, just be careful and mindful of your back and how you lift things. I am the same age but have had multiple back surgeries - do not want you to have to go through that either. 😊 Have fun!

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/build-a-patio-with-pavers

https://www.familyhandyman.com/patio/build-a-stone-patio-or-brick-patio/view-all

Just guessing, but that area is probably sinking to the back because most of the rocks were poured in from the front. If you happen to know that rain from the roof is washing out the rocks from the back, make sure the gutter is in good shape. Make some rain chains to divert some of the water. Since you are going to use paving stones, the grouting will be sand, tiny stones, or cement. If you clear out the current rocks, don't throw them away. There is bound to be a tree, a flower bed, or a spot near the end of the driveway that needs a punch or a pile of rocks. Best wishes 😇

Hi Mel, As Naomie said, you need the incline. If you mess with the incline, you may have water damage inside your home. I'm going to guess a 4" incline is what is needed for drainage in that area. You may want to rethink that area all together, or at least discuss it with a professional first.

Good luck!

previous comments are correct, you need the slope away from the foundation of your home to eliminate water problems. You could still do as you are planning but instead of having your pavers go right to the foundation, leave the existing stone and slope for 6"-1' from the foundation then start the levelling and paver installation. If you don't care for the colour of the stones, they can be easily changed up to one that compliments your taste and/or paver choice

I am 56 as well and not afraid to use a circular saw. Which you might consider for my following suggestion.

I agree about the incline away from the house. You don't want water seeping in your house.

What about instead of stone if you just built a little deck off of this instead? It would be level from the house out and step down onto your existing patio area to break it up a bit? Without seeing what is not in the photo, I can only assume it might make a nice sitting area, grilling area or dinning area and accentuate what is already there.

Definitely agree with the slope away from the house (it doesn't have to be steep) and also that you check your gutters and down spouts to divert the rainwater run-off.

Slope away from the house to prevent water leakage into the house- you can remove the rocks, build up a bit with sand (poor by the house and rake forward) and then lay pavers or slate pieces ( something like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Daltile-Natural-Stone-Collection-Golden-Sun-12-in-x-24-in-Slate-Flagstone-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-13-5-sq-ft-case-S783PATTNFLAG1P/202646843 ) and just sweep more sand between them. Good luck

Slope it like everyone is telling you. Put aluminum foil between the wall and what you are going to put in there to keep bugs from your house, and to help prevent water damage. I fold the bottom of the foil and put the rocks on top of that to help hold the foil in place. I think a cute idea would be to put a fish pond in that area. Just be sure your gutters don't leak because that water would go into the pond. If you don't want that much work, fill with rock and add a large planter with plants. If you don't like to water plants, buy fake ones, tie a string to the bottom of the stems, and attach the other end to a brick. That way you can change out your plants all year long.

I agree with Donnajarnagin, it might be easier to add a small deck there than mess with the slope. It's so important to get that right, as everyone said. The repercussions of water damage would be huge.