With a login name like mine I couldn't pass up the chance to add something to this thread. I'm also the father that "Johnny" refers to earlier in this thread. He's got it a little wrong however, it's only been 28 years since I started with an ascent of Mt. Ellinor.
It's funny because as I approach 60 the only difference I see in my climbing is that my partners are generally younger than I am. I'm still managing to fall off sport routes regularly except now I'm coming off 5.10s instead of 5.7s.
I think some of my attitudes have changed. I'm still interested in the summit, but I find the quality of the route and the companionshp of my partners have become more important. I'm still comfortable with a snow cave or a bivouac on a ledge if that's what the trip calls for, if not, I'm equally comfortable in my motor home with my wife.
I've managed to stay interested in the range of climbing experiences that are still available. Indoor walls are great fun and great for conditioning. I enjoy clipping sport routes as well as plugging in pro on an alpine route. I still enjoy snow slogs which is probably a sign that I am starting to lose my mental capacity.
In addition to my technical climbing my wife and I have begun to focus our travels on climbing the high points of all 50 states. It"s a riot. They range from serious undertakings in some states, to the end of a cattle feed trough in Iowa.
I am definitely not a Jim Donini, but I'm still having a lot of fun. Stay in shape year round, make smart(conservative) decisions when things get dicey and you guys in your 20s and 30s can look forward to decades of quality experinces in the mountains.