An interesting book I once read: Chess Master ... at Any Age. The hill is much tougher to climb at an advanced age, but not insurmountable, it would seem. However, I have pretty much given up and resigned myself to living in the valley as the sun sets in the west. 
Too old to improve?
I find myself sliding down off the hill more and more of late...
AndyClifton wrote:
Don't worry andy.
I find myself sliding down off the hill more and more of late...
these young lads are filled with ambition
But we got expierence ;-)
So what's the deal? You have something against sophistry?