getting old?

[Mrbobcat]

Hey guys, I'm 39 and I've been lifting for a long time (since I was 13). I was at my biggest in my mid 20's when I hit 188 at 5'8". I did take a year off when I hurt my shoulder in my late 20's and worked back up to about 180. Right now I'm at 172 as I've lost about 5 lbs since taking a 12 hour night shift job. Its easy work, but I don't always get enough sleep and I sometimes have a problem eating 4-5 times a day like I should. Do you guys think I'm getting too old to expect gains anymore?
I keep trying to gain weight and although I always wanted to get to 200, I guess that would be too much fat for my frame and now I'd like to get back up to about 185 and still keep my waist at 36 or less. Its seems to be getting a lot harder now at my age and with my work schedule, being careful not to overdo presses because of my shoulder and the fact I can't really drink much milk anymore. At least I'm single and don't have family obligations, but there is always the stress of paying all the bills. Should I just give up and be happy to maintain or should I still keep trying to push the weights periodically? I usually cycle my weight up to 1.02% or so of my previous best top set every 2-3 months. btw there is a guy at my gym in his late 40's that started powerlifting a few years ago and he has gotten a lot stronger, but also has gained a lot around the middle so I know you can still get stronger at my age, but not sure about gaining muscle and size.

[TheHorseman]

Check out hrpiii. Hes older than Christ and gets bigger everyday.

Point is it is never too late. If u want it, take it.

[Amren Mac P]

Hey Bobcat,
I'm 46 and I started lifting in my late 20's. No injuries whatsoever! (Knock on wood!) I was out of the gym for about 5 or 6 years when I returned to college at 36. I returned to the iron less than a year ago and have had awesome gains! I am planning on entering my first contest in March of 2010, for my midlife crisis , jk!
Anyway, I am living proof that you can still make gains even into your 40's. It just takes a bit (okay, a lot!) more work and attention to the diet.
DON"T GIVE UP, MAN!
Oh, btw, I had a brain tumor removed last year and my doc thought I was insane when he caught me doing pull-ups on the hospital bed trapeze the day after the surgery... Don't listen to all those "studies" that say we can't get stronger or buffer after 30. I'm in better shape now that at 25 and my wife LOVES it!!!

[lee thompson]

Hi,its not your age its the job,12hr night shifts leave little time,but if you train smart and eat smart then you will achieve! goodluck.