Ha, was waiting for that one, XD

I said older because the weight-loss plans I came across usually only referred to case studies where people are in their 20s.

And from what I could gather, most people past 35 really start struggling with their weight.

I'm 58 and I've lost over 30 lbs (180 - 149) in the last 5 months. I've used basically the same technique you describe. I've tracked every calorie and learned how to prepare mostly plant-based (raw, whole food) meals. However, I exercised more than you describe. I like to walk so I've been walking 25-40 miles/week. When I walk I can eat more and stay within my calorie deficit goal It became a virtuous motivational feedback loop for me. The other benefit of the exercise is that I haven't seen any indication of muscle or strength loss while losing the fat.

Yeah, it definitively gets worse. Prepare for more desserts.

Once I was 21. Then I was 20-something. Now I'm something-something.