I'm not old yet.
This thread is pretty darn old.
I've used the Shawn Phillips program at various times for about 2 1/2 yrs now and am currently starting the third week of another attempt. It works very well.
The first time I tried it (at 36 years old and with no prior weight training experience), I started with a 1 rep max of 175 (at a body weight of 198 with a gut... which is about right for someone who doesn't weight train). I finished the program with a 1-rep max of 215. After an increase in strength natural for a beginner, I tried the program again about 6 months later with a beginning 1-rep max of 235. I finished the program 7 weeks later with a 1-rep max of 265. My third attempt at the program saw my beginning weight drop 5 lbs to 260 (probably because of an emphasis on higher reps, various angles, and other body parts ... as opposed to just heavy low rep flat presses). I finished the program with a lift of 295. After a neck injury (Russian Squat Assault Program - bad form) from which I lost significant strength on my left side (delts, shoulder, tricep and bicep) and a very long rehabilitation period, I am starting the program again with a beginning max of 285. On my first test (today), I completed 6 very strong reps of 265. I expect to finish the program lifting between 310 and 315 based on past experience ... at a body weight of 195 (and ripped btw).
I've always been able to finish the program and I've always used my 1-rep max as the starting point. It is built in that if you fail the test (0,1 reps) you go back on the chart and if you get 2-4 reps you stay on the same path. The only way to gain 50 lbs during the program is to get at least 5 reps on all of the tests and continue to push up the chart. Don't be afraid to take a step backwards (basically repeating the same weight two weeks in a row ... you're usually better off for it). You can reasonably expect to add between 20-30 lbs on your lift. I would also mention that this program requires at least a spotter and I would highly recommend a work-out partner who is at least as committed as you are to finishing the program. Another benefit, every time I do this program, I see a significant increase in mass throughout my upper body ... not just the chest. I usually get a few compliments on my build every time I do this program.
You know, this program is just periodization ... but it is simple and predefined for you and works pretty well. I can't complain about going from a 175 1-rep max to over 300 in 2 1/2 years when 40 yrs old is right around the corner.