I think I've done better the older I've gotten. I've filled out, and my wrinkles look pretty bad a$$ to me. I'm balding too, but I kind of like it, and before long I'm going to start shaving my head (I keep it short anyway). I look stronger than I ever have, and due to my flexibility training, I feel better than I ever have (even after having back surgery in 2008).
Now, I am married, so I'm not out picking up young millenials in bars either. But I'm f*cking my wife more often than ever before, I feel like I have more testosterone than ever (I am actively trying to raise it naturally, so that helps), and in general just think I'm the best I've been in a while. Of course, you have to compare apples to apples....when I was 25 I was just learning game, and now at 34 I feel like I'm pretty good at it.
Just like others have said though, status is key, and expected the other you get. Or at least, an aged confidence or maturity level. To tell you the truth, I'm not real interested in chicken-head bar flies where, like you say, vanity rules. I do much better in other situations, always have.