I am finding this thread very interesting. I have been involved with Engineering and Model Engineering for the whole of my life (I am now 73). I was encouraged by my father and started my first engine build at the age of 12. I received a Stuart No 10 horizontal casting set for my 12th birthday and completed the model in my 64th year (Patience is a virtue in this hobby). I had an excellent metalwork teacher at school and after an apprenticeship, with the Royal Air Force and 23 years service I settled into civilian life and for once established my workshop at my permanent dwelling.
Settling down allowed me to put into practice what I had read and observed over the years and I now have what I need to fulfill my dreams, but I still look for unusual projects.
My advice to older persons joining the movement later in life is join a local club if you have one, buy good secondhand machines (British, American, German and Russian origin are all good) and be prepared to make mistakes. Youtube is awesome and takes up a lot of my TV time, Keith Atherton is particularly worthy of mention. I recently bought " A Guide to Model Engineering Practice" by Henry Greenly and am finding it very informative, wish I had had a copy 60 years ago!! It is available from www,lindsaybks.com for $9, a bargain.
The hobby needs more participates and needs to embrace modern methods, CNC, 3D printing and whatever the future brings.
Good luck to all and welcome to all "Newbies"
Happy metal cutting
B