IGX

Waddya think?

Listen to your joints. I think I was 64 when I started but stopped. Top reason was joint fears, but I didn't get any more injured than I already was.
Weekday classes seem to have more geezers which is good if you can make it.
My former school offered 3 starter classes and a gi for $35. It's humbling fun. Try it a few times an see how you feel.
Right now I'm doing some Kali at a 2nd tier school where the students are mostly older. It's fun and has been less stressful to my joints. But there's nothing like BJJ.

Thanks Doc. Best to you.

I started at 58 and am still doing it at 70. (Thanks, FatCat & MarcoFP !) YMMV

One key is to find the right Academy. Both the instructor(s) and the students are important. Avoid the school that is only competition & medal-focused. A clan of young meatheads will probably just get you hurt & discouraged. And I don't think the "name" (Gracie, etc.) or lineage is essential. Watch a few classes and see if they are well-taught, if the students are focused, and the atmosphere is right for you.

Expect to be ineffectual and mind-boggled for the first weeks and months. And know that this is a completely different physical stress from what you're used to.

For motivation, check out Fat Cat's older logs here in IGx. And __________"s also. I found those inspirational when I started.

Congratulations, you're embarking on a rewarding journey.

I am 59 and started BJJ about 3 years ago. I have no talent for it, my endurance is shit, and I am pretty useless on the mat. However, it is a great martial art. I think it is not a bad choice as a new sport for the old fucks. One of the most important aspects for me is less chance of injury. You choose when to tap: you can do it when your arm is about to break or when you lost the position and completed arm bar is only a matter of time. You start most rolls in sitting position, so there is no falling. It is very cerebral, especially for older guys: we cannot compensate the lack of skill by brute strength and/or endurance, so you need a good technique more than a very fit youngster.

One thing is very important, the head instructor. He or she must understand the difference between training a young guy, whom you can push quite hard, and the older one, with accumulated injuries and the possibility of underlying medical conditions.

I haven't done BJJ since July when they closed everything for the Second Wave. I got my vaccination in November and was cautious about cardiac complications, so made sure I wait couple of months before getting back to more intense exercise. Planning to come back in February.

So, Cayenne, I say go for it, man.