There is a sliding scale of 'interest in aviation' and at a certain point you do something about becoming a pilot. He hasn't (yet). People who 'like the idea' apply to Speedbird academy, don't get in and then give up. People who really want to be a pilot work 3 jobs and get a PPL anyway. Age 36 is most definitely not too old and even zero money is definitely not too poor. So although you say his dream is to be a pilot, his actions say otherwise. He needs to want this for himself.