I few people have mentioned it, but for everybody else - what did you consider your prime? (or if you are in your prime, when do you think it will end?)
Thats really a good question. I guess it kinda boils down to your athletic level and your mental "spark"..
If your mind are as curious and playful as before.
If your body still listen to what you tell it to do.
I may sound sad in my words. But i am not. Its hard to do a discussion in written text only.. And not even in my 1st language.
I dont go around being sad or bitter. Actually most things are far better then i thought it would be, pushing 50.
My body move like it did in my 30s. Look like it too. My face and hair look like my age. But thats fine.
The mental part of this.. Thats where it gets harder to answer. If i really try to think hard about how my mental side are, its mostly good. I got way more skills, experience, and confidence then in my young days. The martial arts and training have really helped me big time.
Having kids that are still small, also kinda forces your mind and body to stay young and playful. They are 10 and 8 years old.
So yeah. I am sure all people have different ways of feeling this. But the word prime is kinda wrong anyway.
You goes trough different phases trough life.