25 is around the age where intellect starts to decline (along with everything else) so it isn't really that much of a mystery.
An argument can be made that F1 racing is the most demanding endevor a human can participate in--both mentally and physically. Most F1 champions dont even hit their peak until their early to mid 30's. I understand it's about the same for fighter pilots.
Care to share?
The argument is not mine, not at all, but rather that of many medical professionals including sports psychologists. The level of concentration required to pilot an F1 car or really any topline completion car at the limit of adhesion is Total--there is zero room for a concentration lapse. If your mind wanders even on the straights--you're probably taking an ambulance ride.
Race cars are not like street cars At all; they want to spin out--pretty much all the time. If you picture the brakes locking up as you're about to brake late; They Will every time. Part of the trick is to acknowledge what is likely to go wrong BUT Do NOT imagine it happening, that shit takes iron concentration.
Here are a lot of examples of good contributions by older mathematicians.
https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1059235/great-contr...
I think one factor is that young people tend to be hungry to achieve something and also aren't burdened with family or admin which means they can work harder.
Experience of design patterns would seem to be most relevant to senior technical roles and program architecture... which is where you see older programmers.