I was also "almost 50" when we bought in 2002 with children aged 8 and 5. And I plan to still be around in 2042 when our contract expires! So don't let your age stand in the way.
I was 27 and DH was 33-No children. Former CM and kicking myself for not buying in on the CM discount!! Wasn't married then and had thoughts of moving to Paris to work at DLP, but found DH instead. Life is cruel sometimes!!
I am 33 and my husband is 36 and we just bought at the Boardwalk! We bought a different timeshare almost 12 years ago and haven't regretted it, but now seeing what DVC is like, I wish it had been there instead. We use the other only to trade through II and it seems it doesn't always have the trading power that I'm sure DVC does. Heck, we could rent the DVC one if we didn't use it though I can't see that happening! That's really not such an easy option with the other one. I definately DVC is the way to go! I'm already wishing we had bought more points and we haven't even had our first trip yet! Booking it though--Grand Villa next September--no wonder I want more points!