wrote:
..

I need to know if, at my relatively late date it is reasonable to
expect to be piloting my own plane. I am in good health, so I doubt
that's an issue.

But you are still young. Some here have suggested that being a little
older slowed them down in training, i.e.,longer to solo, etc. I don't
know about that, but keep this story in mind:
Someone I know well went to a flight school at age 51 to fulfill his
dream to fly. He asked the very young flight instructor that was
assigned to talk to him how long it generally took to get the PPL. The
kid told him that it usually takes X number of hours, but "older" people
(like my friend) are slower to learn. Well, this guy says "thanks, but
no thanks" and goes to another instructor somewhere else and completes
the PPL in minimum time, then the IA in minimum time. He goes on to
complete the Commercial and a host of other ratings and endorsements and
gains the respect of the local flying community for his skills and
judgment.

Go for it.