wow this is a good thread.
me im only 23 im still very young and just about everyone over 40 i know still thinks im a kid (i can guess why and i dont really mind).

i think that its easier to learn when your young because you mind is like putty, you go to school everyday and learn stuff. so i guess you can say you practice learning when your young. but as you get older after youve been in the same job and habits (unless your an avid reader)for a while you not learning as much so you get out of practice. (like i said im 23 and even i feel it since i didnt go to colleage). is that to say you cant learn?? is it too late?? i believe that the only time its too late is when the dirt covers your eyes for the last time.

now i dont want to offend anyone by this but if there was a cut of age for learning we'ed all be in trouble.
if you really want to learn how to do something just do it. that saying goes for playing guitar or serial killing or just about everything else in the world. and never listen to the old saying "if at first you dont succed pull your forskin over your heap."