I’m 70 now, and began learning to play the cello three years ago (from scratch, no previous musical experience). It’s been a challenge, including the need to switch to a left-handed cello two years ago due to a problem with my left third finger.
My cello teacher (weekly lessons) is very forgiving, understanding, and supportive of my desire to skip ahead a bit, rather than get bogged down in loads of traditional learning and theory (I don’t know how long I’ve got and want to be able to play for my own entertainment only, and to play alongside my wife who plays piano). My dream is to reach the stage where I can play some of the suites at least, just me, the sheet music, light and my cello in a quiet and otherwise darkened room. I’ve tried parts of some of them, but I fall short and see where I need to fill in gaps in technique etc, and go backwards and forwards, thoroughly enjoying each bit of new learning before trying again. My note accuracy has vastly improved, my slurring, position changes, double stopping, and a few other things are coming along. I’m gradually reaching the point where I can tackle some of the easier suites with some success, and am able to play other enjoyable pieces as I do so.
Why am I writing this comment? It’s not to boast, but to say to anyone who has ever considered playing the cello, but is put off by feeling they’re too old, go for it. … After a lot of initial scraping and scratching and sore finger tips, you will find you can produce a sound, then a series of notes, then some simple tunes. The sense of achievement is wonderful, and my cello has been a life-saver during covid!
Some purists might shudder at my learning technique, but I couldn’t care less. I love my cello, I love the learning and the sense of achievement, and all the time those cello suites are there to tantalise and encourage me to keep going.