SnowChic, the Elna and Brother machines would be fine for you as a beginner. Don't let the salesperson talk you into a "bells and whistles" machine that cost lotsa $$$$ if you don't think you will get heavily into machine embroidery and a bazillion fancy stitches. You can always trade up to a fancier machine in a few years but give yourself a learning curve at first. They only had one class on Basic Machine sewing and not any classes on construction, making a simple skirt, mending and repairs, etc. You need to decide what it is that you want to do with your sewing: 1) do you want to mend, learn simple garment making, make your own easy curtains and throw pillows for your home, make kids costumes 2) do you want to take up a hobby like quilting or heirloom sewing 3) perhaps you see sewing as a way to earn extra income? You don't need a computerized embroidery machine to do any of those things.
You would be surprised at the young women who are taking up knitting, weaving, crochet, and quilting. Just do some searches on the internet - starting at Ravelry - and you will see how many men and women are getting into handcrafts. Also, this economy has produced an interest again in canning, freezing, cooking from scratch and bread making.
Guess I'm one of the "older folk" you mentioned - LOL! And if I lived near you I would love to teach you to sew and cook. I've taught cooking classes for the past 30 years and quilting for the past 10 years. I never wanted to be a classroom teacher when I was in college, but it turns out I have the knack for teaching anyway.
Feel free to PM me if you have questions or need further direction.
Teresa
