The ideal is to make as much progress as you can whilst your youth, lifestyle
and family situation offer this opportunity.
Typically speaking, the older you get, the slower your
progress will be.
This is to be expected.
A 40 year old may have the patience and the life experience to appreciate tai
chi but a 20 year old has the drive and the stamina to pass the
belts.
As people age, they struggle to learn and they
struggle to change.
Run in your youth. Walk in middle age.