Replying to The Big Deal About Getting Old

Is getting old really an issue? I'm still young and I'm just thinking about my skiing in the future and what it means to get old and keep sending it. Everyone talks about how early twenties are the prime age for this sport, and I mean especially if we compare it to gymnastics ; many gymnasts retire in their twenties. Our bodies aren't necessarily meant to be so mangled for so long. The lifestyle of a freeskier skier probably doesn't help at all either. However, if one stayed healthy and maintained prime shape wouldn't they still be able to ski at a very similar level, for a long time. Like, I remember there was this camper at momentum, Rich, who was 45, and was sending front flips and 9s off the 75 footer. He was also learning rodeos and what not. So the question is are we truly doomed by the coming of age, or with enough dedication would it be a mind over matter thing? And how far are we willing to show our love of the sport to maintain that kind of dedication?