I think you have a lot of questionable assumptions, which leads to your original question.
First, at 50 my brain has not 'slowed down'. Nor has my zeal for new tech, learning or stamina.
Made it big? Not sure what you mean by that, but I've had a very rewarding career (almost 20Y in the same place) that has provided me consistently with challenge and success.
Last thought, I'm part of a team of devs in our early fifties. I feel like with our experience, maturity and honed skills we could wipe the floor with a team in their twenties if we wanted. Might just be us. Just MHO though.
After 10 years of coaching youth sports and observing parents, I think this has something to do with 'mirror neurons', the ability of our brain to watch, learn from and empathize with others. Just like you have an immersive effect with a sci-fi movie and empathize with the characters and feel their plights, so do sports fans. When it's your kid playing of course, it's intensified. Of course, many are just straight up living vicariously through their kids.
First, at 50 my brain has not 'slowed down'. Nor has my zeal for new tech, learning or stamina.
Made it big? Not sure what you mean by that, but I've had a very rewarding career (almost 20Y in the same place) that has provided me consistently with challenge and success.
Last thought, I'm part of a team of devs in our early fifties. I feel like with our experience, maturity and honed skills we could wipe the floor with a team in their twenties if we wanted. Might just be us. Just MHO though.