I truly think that we don't fully understand the process of the mind, especially in terms of flying.
in my 50's , I wouldn't go out on overnights, I would concentrate on being well rested for the next day. lambourne might be out screwing a FA (and maybe not female in his case) and be tired...he might miss a few things the next day.
I do think that older pilots somehow know how to stay out of trouble. And that's a heckuva thing to do.