I think it's awesome how even in your 40's you are still able to break through the mental restraints put in place by our governments and able to form your own opinions on controversial topics such as drugs. However based on my experiences I can stay that starting off with other psychedelics prepared me better for dmt. Shrooms are a good starting point and lsd can be very mind opening as well. Dmt is a very powerful substance and my suggestion is to work your way up with it don't try to go to far all at once. If your worried going into your trip then the trip will reflect that. I'm not saying thats a bad thing though because some of the most profound, mind expanding trips I've had came from similar situations. I do recommend experimenting with some of the other psychedelics that arent as powerful as dmt first. But in all actuality it really comes down to you. Do you think your ready to confront certain aspects of yourself that you might not like or might be shocked to learn? Some people this comes with ease and they delve right into the psychedelic culture. Others get scared away, fearful to touch them again. Go with your heart and never let one experience hold you back from others.