I would not be surprised that its something that appeals to be people over 40. I think when you are young you have so much going on, maybe college, getting married, starting families etc. that people don't want to add any more responsibilites, and beekeeping may be a hobby but its still a responsibility, not like say golf or building model airplanes.
I think once people settle into their lives a little they may take on more.
It "can" also be an expensive hobby.
On another note, my son who is only 6 years old has his own beekeeping suit and his own hive and I just ordered him a nuc for this spring.
Obviously he can't take care of it by himself but any time I work it he will be responsible for being right there and helping to understand the decisions and mistakes that we will make and the outcome good or bad. The other kids are interested but not like him.
He hounds me for information and sits next to me every night and asks me to read him the beekeeping books. I quiz him for info and he is pretty good.
He raises his own chickens too and sells the eggs, he can't wait to offer honey to his customers.
His principal at school just bought $20.00 worth of eggs from him.
Sometimes I forget how young he is, he is such a little man.
I am really looking forward to doing this with him.
I plan on doing some presentations at the children's schools this year as well. I think its more important than ever to teach the children how vital the bees are to us.
Poll