Well, blackwood afficianados may disagree with me, but, may I suggest the Dunbar P1 pipes? That is what I have and they are really very nice (and, they are much less expensive than blackwood, AND, as an added bonus, they are very durable and don not require as much to maintain 'em!).
By the way...I hear that you are NEVER too old to learn! Especially if you are playing for enjoyment (your own and others)!
I'm just starting out at age 33 (drat! my secret revealed...hee, hee!), and will never be a competition piper or the like, but I hope to have years of enjoyment for myself and others.