I agree about learning in a Glider for most if only because in the UK you have to learn how to spin in a number of different scenarios before you go solo. A PPL doesn't get taught how to spin which I always thought was risky.
Your confidence increases as you are taught how to land out and when you go cross country, you can be certain that sooner or later you end up having to find a field or whatever to land in. On average landed out once a year.
I also have a strong belief that as Gliders often fly in close proximity to each other the pilots learn how to keep a better lookout. A small but often ignored point.
PS you are never too old. Our club had one man who went solo aged 84.
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