I'm in the middle of changing my career path, I will be in my late 40s when I finish this degree. Once qualified It is something I can do from home in future and one that my age will be a bonus (seen to be more experienced/mature etc).

So age isn't a barrier to a change in career or additional studies to further your career.

Personally I would prefer to hire a GD who is older & more mature, than one who is straight out of uni/college. The older GD would bring a new level of maturity to the work I would need them to do. So if it is a career that you are passionate about (which you sound like you are), then keep doing it and enjoy yourself!