Don’t know how many members also subscribe to the Hangout but one of their topics asked basically, when did you notice your picking begin to decline. Most generally, from the replies, average age was somewhere in the mid to late 60s. Various reasons were noted mostly relative to mental state and physical condition.
This got me thinking about all of us "Ol’ timer newbees (65yrs. +) just starting banjo and how and what we do to compensate, modify, and address the “unique” challenges ahead.
As such, I’d like to reach out to these members and kindly ask them to share their experiences, both positive and negative. A well know weight reduction program asks the question “WHAT IS YOUR WHY ?”
(i.e. "Why do you want to learn to play banjo at this stage of your life?)
Thanks so much for sharing and being supportive.
Ol' timer newbees
I started being serious about the banjo in my 60’s, after I r egg tired, the pandemic hit & I had plenty of time.
How could my skills diminish if they weren’t there to begin with?
But age made me face the fundamental questions of “Why do I play” and “What do I want from my playing?”
I have old guys aspirations. I have no need to be a banjo star playing the Opry on Saturday night. Nor do I want to play “Unclouded Day” on Wednesday nights or ride in the bus.
Once you know why you play, it will be easier to deal with acquiring skills before they go away.
I’ve seen people lose their abilities in their late 50s and I’ve seen them pick well in to their 90s. I personally believe it has a lot to do with how well they take care of themselves.
I’m a bit of a nutrition nut. I watched what happened to both sets of grandparents and realized if I didn’t start doing something early in life, life would not be kind to me.
Suffice it to say, it is purposefully difficult to stay healthy in the US. Not only is our food supply poisoned, but our popular nutritional advice has been tainted by the entities who stand to make money from our diseases.
The lengths they’ve gone through to keep us sick are mind boggling. It all sounds like conspiracy theory until you start digging in and connecting the dots.
Luckily, the push back with clear information is gaining popularity. I have hope for our future.
Well I was a late starter, I took to the banjo in my sixties and rather than falling into decline I would say it has been a blessing, it has lifted my spirits and kept my brain active. Popular pastimes for the elderly in the UK are Golf, Outdoor Bowls but since the weather over here is often cold and wet I opted for indoor activities like sleeping, eating, silver-surfing and of course learning to play the banjo. I started out with the Murphy Method DVDs and Geoff Hohwald’s Watch and Learn videos on YouTube.
I was very fortunate that shortly after I took to learning banjo a young red haired Texan boy by the name of @BanjoBen who had himself recently decided to make a career change, parted company with the now famous Taylor Swift became my No1 banjo teacher. His amazing lessons keep my brain focused and active. So much so this old dog is still learning new tricks going on 77, not only am I constantly being educated, learning new skills I am being entertained. I engage daily with other students from around the world which also keeps me active.
I never set out to play Carnegie Hall so I am not disappointed that I never made it. If I could be granted one wish in life it would be that I had my health fully restore so that I could travel to the US attend a Cabin Camp and meet Ben, Alan Munde and Bill Evans who have also played a big part in my banjo journey.
I don’t dwell on my circumstances I just take each day as it comes. The Banjo Hangout seems to thrive on doom and gloom negative conversation. Rather than wasting time measuring your decline, I say, just live your life and enjoy each day the best way that you can. Life is short and precious so don’t waste a second worrying about getting old.
I saw my skills start to diminish shortly after moving to Nashville and playing the same 15 country songs 200 nights/year, lol. I was at my top proficiency when I moved from Texas to Nashville. Wrist/hand problems and lack of practice has not helped since. When I have to get in shape for a gig nowadays, it takes way longer than it used to, and I think mainly due to the factors I mentioned above. Most folks probably think I get to sit around and pick all the time, but the non-playing part of my job is 40-50 hours/week. When you add on family and farm, not much time to play/practice. I just do the best I can!
I think we’ve all used that excuse at one time or another! 
I played the banjo a lot in my twenties and early thirties and then life kicked in full blast (haha, started family , job and other priorities) . I sat it down for 27 years. Picked it back up when the pandemic hit. Playing is somewhat of an athletic exercise and, let’s just say, 20 year old fingers, hands and wrist are much different than 60 year old hands and such. Big difference. I had to adjust expectations and throw out all the “I use to be able” thoughts. I just take it one day at a time now, enjoying what I can do and try not to pull any “hammies” so to speak as I’m “relearning” to play.
Thank you all for sharing and your supportive input. Seems like we share a similar commonality … getting old sux but making the best of things, with what you’ve got, in a positive way, will (hopefully) provide enough motivation to push forward. One of the most shocking/sad (?) things I saw on YouTube was a clip of Roy Clark in his later years and Buck Trent on a reunion Hee Haw set doing Dueling Banjos. Not at all what I expected as both attempted to play at lightning speed. However, Roy was actually not able to and missed notes. Something I never saw or even thought was possible. He simply acknowledged it, laughed, shrugged it off, and continued playing. Still an inspiration. Again, thanks for sharing. Maybe we could talk Ben into having a camp for Newbee/Senior pickers exclusively. That would be a hoot. We also need some fund-raising ideas to get Archie over here so he can check off camp on his bucket list !!! 
