In my 50s, I could climb everything with a 30 X 25
then I went to a 30 X 27
then to a 26 X 25
then to a 26 X 27
then to a 26 X 30, where I seem to have stabilized. My normal climbing cadence is 78-83. All of this gearing on my 5200 of course.
Most of these modern gearing choices above are because the tech allows. I don't think anyone loved mashing, but that's what the tech demanded.
__________________
Results matter