I'd say most guys that have been seriously competitive or living that lifestyle should be looking to back off around the 50 mark to avoid causing problems that can't be easily reversed. Not stop everything, just back off and decide what the new priority is going to be.
I think most young guys have the forever mentality but I'm here to tell you that when something finally goes wrong or a test pulls up something that isn't just going to go away and it'll kill you in a short amount of time then everything changes.
I've seen it on both sides. I've got good friends that look great for any age and are healthy that have transitioned successfully. I've also had a few die way too early needlessly as early as 41 years old that just couldn't see that it can be done in a way that doesn't put you at immediate risk.
The smarter, older guys that have been in the lifestyle a long time gradually back off across the board. Most of them find that middle ground where you're on trt"ish" doses, your labs are good, your diet is still mostly strict but with more emphasis on maintenance rather than growth, your BP is good and you focus on health but still looking great. Your training is intense but that intensity isn't primarily created via heavy weights so joints and injuries are spared.
The days of 1000+ mgs of gear weekly, a bunch of orals and running your weight up 30, 40+ pounds in the "off season" would be done. It's bad for your heart, your cholesterol and pretty much everything else. Protein comes down some and you eat less meals.
I will say that show prep experience minus the stimulants is actually very beneficial. Lower carbs, more good fats, some cardio and staying leaner is the way to go. Plus, you look bigger when you're leaner so it's a win win.
I just saw a video with John Meadows the other day where he was talking about eating less than 200 grams of protein daily to maintain his current size.
