The fact that you can't control something doesn't mean you shouldn't think about it. Basketball players can't control their height, but it affects the techniques they can use.
Doesn't sound to me like I'm missing his point.
40 year olds have different strengths and weaknesses from 20 year olds. Very few people, possibly zero, can transcend that. I can't. And it's stupid not to adjust your game to suit your strengths.