Your wheel and tire choices affect the need for power steering too. Wide tires, or wheels that offset the center line of the tire from the center of the ball joints can increase the power needed to turn the wheel.
Another issue is the condition of your back and shoulders. After an injury a few years ago I have some problems in those areas. I can drive a manual steering truck, but can't do it on a daily basis without suffering. So power steering is a must on anything I expect to drive a lot.
