No one is ever too old to learn. Learning something new is an excellent way of keeping the brain active.

I have taken up the anglo concertina at the age of 61 and it is giving me a great deal of pleasure. I have a long way to go to become proficient, but I know that it will take time. In the meantime, I have an instrument that I can already play some tunes on and enjoy playing.

One advantage that age gives is experience. You are aware that you are likely to have a struggle ahead and mentally prepare yourself. Also when you are older you tend to have more patience and will plug away when a youngster might give up. Alright you may not ever be able to play as quickly as many of the youngsters around nor will you pick things up as quickly, but given a willingness to learn you can make steady progress and you can learn to play musically - which is no way the same as playing fast. In fact, they say that the real test of a musician is how well they play a slow piece. Most of all if learning a new instrument gives you pleasure then that is what you should do. You will be starting on a journey which will give you pleasure for many years to come.

As to Shamsia, her posts read like a 17th century Puritan's guide to godly living for the housewife. I wonder were we to see a photo if there would be a little bulge in her cheek where her tongue has been firmly planted?