I feel she is not describing being 40 she is describing being human.
It is very hard to filter out your experiences in regards to one aspect of yourself.
An example of this that i have found in my life is people taking a group they think they are a part of, Then assuming that they understand how everyone in that group thinks.
A common example of this being some men thinking they can talk for all men in general. Or some women talking like they understand how all other women think.
I think the last point pertains to all people, and it is just threat women are slightly more emotional and social that they use this kind of thinking.
You have to remember and remind yourself that mirror neurons reflect others in terms of you and your experiences. This is valuable for quick thinking on the spot but should not be the only mode.
Sometimes this can be useful, to notice things introspection had a blind spot for.
It is very hard to filter out your experiences in regards to one aspect of yourself.
An example of this that i have found in my life is people taking a group they think they are a part of, Then assuming that they understand how everyone in that group thinks.
A common example of this being some men thinking they can talk for all men in general. Or some women talking like they understand how all other women think.