I haven't chimed in about the age issue because my family is a definite anomaly. But maybe it'll make you feel better that you are far from too late.
On my mother's side, I get to count myself a seventh-generation Texan. The first emigre to the-then Mexican state was a William McFarland, who moved here in 1830, was elected alcalde of San Augustine in 1833, and served as a colonel in the army of the Republic of Texas.
On my father's side, I can only claim to be a third-generation Texan...even though the family moved to Texas in 1841 or 1842, just 11 or 12 years after McFarland. The original emigre, my great-grandfather was born in 1824. My grandfather was born near the foot of the Hill Country in 1864. My father was born in south Texas in 1898.
Going back to 1790, my paternal line has an average generational length of 40.75 years. Definitely atypical. But hey: we made it!
When your kid gets ready to graduate college, the average life expectancy will no doubt be over 80. You could well still be around with plenty of time for the marriage and a couple of grandkids.
