Yes everybody is different and learn at different rates but by long observation over a whole bunch of years generally most people (this includes 'all' age groups) who successfully reach their goals of true flight skills, do so faster by using an aircraft after the trainer that flys on the wing and not an overpowered 3D type.

The Sig 4-40, 4-60 and the Goldberg/Lanier Tiger 11 are ideal aircraft that fit this need among others.

The more rungs you skip in the ladder of skills, The more holes there will be in your knowledge/skill. Nobody or age group can escape this fact, Irreguardless of their individual talents.

John