Age and PC specs

Since everyone else has helped you on the computer front I will address the other question you posed about age and reaction and all of that. I am 45 and while I played video games casually off and on over the years not really into online or competition style play until a couple of years ago. 

I could and did write a novel(just deleted all of it and started over).

To make this short I suffered a severe brain injury 4 years ago and have used video games as a source for recovery. The most important factor for me has been watching clips of my gameplay to see where I struggle and to see where I am improving. In Apex I would recommend watching battles you lose to see if you are clip strafing. Are you shooting to the right or left without realizing it? If so adjust the next game and see if it improves. There can be alot more to this game then just land die rinse repeat if you want it to.

BTW I play on PS4 not computer for specific reasons, I spec out and build/ maintain our network, engineering and programming computers so playing on a computer in my free time does nothing for me. I just want to hit power on and go play. You have gotten some good suggestions on video cards and monitors. My suggestion on top of all others would be to get the best monitor first that you can afford with the best refresh rate possible. Video card would be second on my list.Also since I don't remember seeing it listed RAM would also be on my list if you have availabilty I would look at configuring my RAM to optimize my computer. Depending on options of available slots and capacity of your desktop RAM cards are pretty cheap and will help most computers process better. (If you have 4 slots for RAM utilize them, you are better off with 4X 2 gigs vs. 2X 4 gig cards, it makes a world of difference in any graphics driven program)

Anyways I was responding primarily to let you know that you are not the only salt and pepper player out there. I play primarily with 20-22 year olds because there are not alot of us (Atari) generation players on Apex. On a side note I do remember standing in a line to buy my copy of Pac-Man for the 2600 so I will date myself.

Good luck and enjoy your trips to the battle ring.