Firstly for everyone this is obviously a generalised statement. However cognitive ability can be improved by changing ways we learn and do, ways we approach tasks, and using the right resources or support networks. Therefore whilst the older amongst us may not be able to brute force a task or subject matter like I did at one point in my life, I now have the knowledge to make better connections between pieces of information and I think that gives me a greater ability to learn overall. My methods as a teen were not optimal, they just appear better due to some success, but I feel I'm at my peak now despite going thru some health issues that has actually caused me to have to work around many things from number of useful hours, to less ability to concentrate. I feel that I am better than ever at prioritising, and analysing what is key and what is just frivolous time sinks that will serve me no purpose.