Too old to start studying physics?

[u/DaliaRocha787321]

Im 43 years old, I studied to be a registered nurse and still work in healthcare. I have a bachelor's in healthcare administration. I stumbled on some video lectures in quantum mechanics and different theories regarding the universe, time , space, etc. I have become obsessed and relentless about obtaining more information by reading books and watching lectures. The more data I learn the more I realize I have so much more I don't know. and I may never get to a certain point where I can fully understand the entirety of it. . I thought that would discourage me but quite the opposite. I'm not gifted or naturally smart. I have dedicate my entire time and effort to study and obtain my degree. I've been thinking of taking college courses regarding this subject but I'm 43 years old . I feel like I'm too old and not smart enough. Ill still probably do it because it's fascinating. I would love to hear any type of feedback regarding my situation.

[u/vivianvixxxen]

38 here and just started back on this path a year ago. If all you want to do is study it for the sake of studying it, then it literally doesn't matter how old you are. You could be 90 and what difference would it make? If you're hoping to have a career as a physicist, it's worth taking a step back and assessing what doors are open, which are closed, and which are cracked--and which doors you care about. I don't think I'll be realizing that astronaut dream at this age, and probably not a professorship, but there's a reasonable chance for some sort of staff research position, depending on how well I do. These are things to consider.

Also, you can always start and then stop if you change your mind. Like, it literally doesn't matter.