strength over size

hi guys   quick info
powerlifted 3 yrs 17-20
massive break for 20 yrs
now 40
4 months back in
excellent diet lookin   grt   bf10%
still got original muscle gain
Question?  ive got a good solid base now and i want to improve my strength   back 2 my former levels
will i ever be as strong as in my teens?   should i squat heavy at 40?    anyone tried a solid strength training program such as 5x5 in their 40's  and did it work?   any recommendations 4 strength training at 40+  would be greatly appreciated  thx

Don't know about as strong as your teens.  I switched from PL to OL in my mid thirties and was deadlifting 240kg as a pb, 280kg in the racks, switched back a couple of years ago (early 40's) and did a pb of 252kg from the ground18 months ago at 47 and apb in the racks of 320kg 6 months ago at 48.  I lift every few months with the BDFPA or IAWA and do strongman and am stil lhitting varius pbs

Its not my strength that is suffering but stamina, just can't seem to get that back up to what it was, too many smokes when younger I think!
 
www.celticstrongman.co.uk

No reason why you cannot train heavy, particularly squatting at 40. I am 40 and hit my lifetime PB's last year with a 300kg squat and 310 D/L. I have trained for 20 years for Rugby and Climbing but only really seriously heavy (for me) for the last 2-3 after getting involved with super-series. I have used 5 by 5, 20 rep squats, GVT and 3 by 3. We are all different but consistency, nutrition, quality technique, nutrition, rest, nutrition,  periodisation and nutrition seem to be the key.

I think us oldies need a bit more rest and unfortunately (or fortunately)  I have found greater gains and quicker recovery when I lay off the alcohol.

As others have said, really. I got lifetime pbs in raw and equipped bench last year aged 52, and I plan to improve them both later this year. Training doesn't have to change, but maybe factor in an extra day's recovery time and train smarter rather than harder.

Hi mate

I'm 42 and like you I returned to the gym after a very long lay off.
I'm stronger now than I was in my teens, although that's probably because I have a lot more focus now.

thx 4 feedback guys
i will start a 5x5 program a week monday after testing my 5rm this week on all basic compound exercises
im pleased to note that some of you have done pbs in the 40+ age group
i will now lift and train heavy but smart, pay more attention to recovery and hopefully achieve my former levels and some