Start simple is my advice. Start with some country or blues songs, with three chords. Get the rhythm down, just strumming, no need to get so fancy yet- and in time add more complicated songs to your playlist. Don't bust yourself up, it's all for fun.

And find a GOOD teacher, one who's patient and intuitive to work with. I DO think it's harder to learn something new when you're older, but you can certainly learn to play guitar better.

Playing with others is also a helpful inspiration, join a slow jam or music club that has song circles. Watching other players, besides listening to them, will get you going in no time. And if all else fails, try playing the harmonica- you can hit a wrong note, but you can never hit a bad note.