61 = 35 years in china for a westerner.you'r a happy guy and adapt to new cultures quick,everthing will be alright.be ready for a bunch of young chinese ladies willing to teach you mandarin free.
At your age, I suggest you get a good international health insurance plan if you're planning to go to China - it does not matter how healthy you are. You'll be more hireble with this than any English program certification.
Chi Ming
61 is ok. Lots of teachers in china are mid sixties and students like them alot.
I'm a 61 year old male. I've had a long career in human services, and prior to that was a teacher and guidance counselor. I'm now considering teaching ESL, but am concerned that I might be too old. One of the TESL schools indicated they get students from 19 to 75. Just wondering? Would I be out of place and feel uncomfortable with so many younger people getting their certification and then teaching ESL? Any insights, experiences, etc., are appreciated.