(Q) People always claim pool is an ageless sport because you can play it at any age. But at what age does you game start going downhill? Is it possible to still play top-level pool in your 60s? And is pool harder to learn if you are older?
Isaac Erickson, Duluth, Minn.

(A) The general answer here is that, yes, you can learn pool at any age and you can be excellent at any age. What varies is what you determine to be “excellent!” Of course, there are factors that affect our game as we get older — our stamina, our eyesight, our steadiness. But seniors today are in better shape than ever before. Also, the question can really only be answered by the player. No one should tell you whether or not you can do something, and to what ability. Remember, this game is only worth playing if you love it and enjoy it. And if you do, you’ll be surprised by how much you can learn and what level of play you can achieve. There may be limitations because of some of the physical issues mentioned earlier, but your enthusiasm for the game will make every session you play enjoyable and rewarding.