No polite way to ask…

[David A. Rowe]

In my observations, old man strength is a lot more about technique and mindset on applying the force than it is about the force production capacity itself.

I think this is the most likely explanation. With age and reduced strength comes both a tacit knowledge and necessity to use it.

[LuciusSulla]

In my observations, old man strength is a lot more about technique and mindset on applying the force than it is about the force production capacity itself.

The dark side or the light side?

[Jason Donaldson]

The dark side or the light side?

Which version of Anakin Skywalker used which side?

[Thomas Rohner]

I'm usually very careful about Urban Dictionary, but it's pretty much accurate on this phrase. If you look through several of the definitions given there, it hits most of the cultural aspects of the term, more or less:

Urban Dictionary: Retard strength

Maybe because mentally handicapped people have no concept of hurting themselves or others with their movements and therefore do not consciously inhibit/downregulate/try to control the "neural drive" to their muscles? (Maybe this steers the thread back to the initial post).

[Eanderson]

My experience has been that old man strength is cited by underweight 15-18 dudes getting thoroughly boxed out on the basketball court by a 5'10" 220lb dad bod. Looking back, I think it's just weight and not relying on agility and athleticism.

[Maybach]

Maybe because mentally handicapped people have no concept of hurting themselves or others with their movements and therefore do not consciously inhibit/downregulate/try to control the "neural drive" to their muscles? (Maybe this steers the thread back to the initial post).

Where is your sense of fun?

[Jason Donaldson]

My experience has been that old man strength is cited by underweight 15-18 dudes getting thoroughly boxed out on the basketball court by a 5'10" 220lb dad bod. Looking back, I think it's just weight and not relying on agility and athleticism.

This is probably a good example from a recreational context of my and Mr. Rowe's earlier comments. In farming, building, repairs, or other hands-on work contexts, it's "that old man can move/break apart way bigger things than I can - it's old man strength"...and it's because he knows how to do it the smart way, and because you never see him hurt himself moving something that's unreasonable, because he knows better. In both cases, the dumb young guy fails, but the old man's already failed enough that he knows better. He also probably knows how to use simple machines like levers a lot better.... It's not so much "old man strength" as it's "old man effectiveness", really.