it's hard to believe  but i actually sing even worse....

i was  nearly 40 before i picked up a guitar at all (53 now )  and I have a cousin who at 56 or so is JUST starting.

You hit the nail right on the head  about the effects on your wife...!!

 http://www.awvater.com.au/Community/FarmerProfile/FarmerProfileMarch2009/tabid/88/Default.aspx

Hopefully this link works, and goes to a  "past profiles  section of this website..  http://www.awvater.com.au/