I find 'folk' music is quite an expensive and time consuming hobby. (Yes I did say hobby).
There are transport costs, ticket costs, if you play an instruments the cost of purchasing said instrument.
Also the time taken up traveling to see artists, sessions, practicing playing for sessions.
As a kid this would have been impossible with 50p pocket money, having tones of homework and being in single parent family on benefits.
Now as an adult (but considered 'young' - I'm in my mid twenties) I have some disposable income but not much and fit everything round full time work. (with added inconvenience of not driving).
I go to sessions and festivals and the odd gig when I save up (as they are always miles away cost of train tickets and accommodation adds up). Never been to a folk club...as the only one near enough is on the wrong day for me. I'm not put off by older people....you get much more intelligent conversations with them than people my age and younger.