JJ Sinclair wrote:

Most anybody can learn to 'fly' a glider, the question of serious cross
country for those who solo'd after, say 65'ish would be cause for concern
in my mind.

All what you said is true. But remember not all glider pilots do cross
country. When they are happy just to fly near the airfield, this is
absolutly fine. We have some guys in our club who love to stay in the local
thermal for one or two hours. I would never encourage them to to cross
country. But should I stop them flying?