There are so many things I'd like to learn to do that I unfortunately had not learned when much younger.

High on my list: swimming (I know, it's embarrassing that I don't know how to swim ); piano; guitar; rollerskating; skiing; etc. (I'll add some more later).

My question is: how hard is it for a middle-aged person to learn these things? We all know that it's more natural for young children to adapt to learning quickly, but is it too late? I had tried to learn swimming a couple of times, but I couldn't get the breathing process right, so I quit.

 

You are starting too advanced for swimming. Don't worry about the breathing. First thing you should worry about is how to float on your back. Then add some strokes to that. A few hours with an instructor should have the floating part down.

 

I sort of know how to float.

 

im learning brazilian portuguese atm, and its pretty hard. i have a cd listening set that i listen ont eh drive to work and i have a few books to help with the reading. it helps that i hang out with brazilians, but as far as full immersion goes, its still tough

i tried to learnt he piano a few years back, diid ok for about 6 mths, but ran out of time. u really need to have a lot of spare time to pursue these sorts or things

 

how old are you?? stuff like rollerskating and skiing will be more difficult to learn as you get older because you have less phyiscally agility and are more prone to injury. also, as you get older, you tend to have a greater sense of self preservation and thus you will not have the same wreckless abandonment attitude as a child which allows them an easier time to learn and master the activity.

 

You should sign up for some basic classes at your YMCA.

 

at his age, he's better off with private lessons.

 

At some point in your life, you have to know your limitations. Are you coordinated, are you a risk taker, are you dedicated, do you think fast on your feet, are you a quick learner, do you take direction, does fear rule your actions, ect ect.

Learning is a process, hopefully you have learned how to learn. Set a small goal which leads to another small goal. I remember learning how to swim when I was 6, and they handed out achievement cards for 10 yards, 20 yards, up to a mile. Everything comes in time and practice.

If you haven't ventured out of your box after all this time, it will be difficult. In your situation, you probably need someone to learn with so you both can egg each other on.

Good Luck and remember...baby steps

 

It is never to late to learn. So, I think you will be fine!

 

if you have a need for the skill or just like it, the learning will be quick

young or old you will discover limitations which are your personal ends. everyone is sooo different and for a specific task these people will learn at different rates. if you find you are good at it you will learn it fast.

chances are that your life already has things going on, what are you going to drop so that you have the time for this new thingy?

manage the risk:
you tried skiing a little and know you like it, get a helmet and body protection up front.
accept the risk:
so you bought a r6 sportbike, you know you are headed for a broken collar bone, medical technology has improved enjoy the bike. Don