I think it's possible to avoid this (or at least delay it) but it takes significant work. I try to keep learning new things to slow it down (I'm in my 40s).
I think it's more than reality no longer matching your mental model. Too many years of disregarding input stunt your imagination. And it isn't just age that does this -- depression can have a similar, but even more powerful, effect.
I think it's more than reality no longer matching your mental model. Too many years of disregarding input stunt your imagination. And it isn't just age that does this -- depression can have a similar, but even more powerful, effect.