I got my PPL when I was 33, my CPL/IR when I was 36, FI(A) when I was 37, ME and King Air ratings when I was 38 and presently I am commander on a 50 seat twin turboprop for a European regional.
What it took at this age ?: "absolute determination and persistence". If you can't work as a pilot yet it is very important to have some sort of other job. At least you will keep your selfrespect and some cashflow. One thing often leads to another.
When I joined the regional airline I had about 2500 hours.