The only thing I would be concerned about with an older cat is that they might not be used to kids. We got a kitten in January & I think it's lucky we did because my two drive him crazy. They both want to pick him up & chase him & just generally love him to death! Our older cat was never brought up with children & doesn't like them & hides from the noise.
that's why i would prolly make sure that whatever shelter you adopt from has some kind of behavioural check system. the RSPCA do them and can tell you which cats/dogs etc are suited to what kind of family...