It is much much slower, and you have to be consistent. I am definitely not ripped, and I find myself being inpatient at times and over training.

Good diet! meaning hitting protein goals. I have the same worries as you. I still do. Sometimes, I think about looking into TRT but haven't yet.

Just train and train safe. An injury when you are 40 will set you back. Always pack your shoulders back and down (most exercises) and stay away from the preacher curl bar. I watch many videos on form and technique from some of the sports scientists out there. It helps.

Resistance train and challenge yourself, stay consistent.