I'm 58 and just got back into MTB last year. After riding a friends full suspension I was sold on FS, When not on tough trails I find the ride a lot more comfortable. Sure it's a bit heavier but the trade off was the right one for me.

If it was just about performance I might go with a hard tail and get the best fork, frame and components I could afford.

I ended up with a Scott Spark 960 on a closeout for $1200. For the performance I couldn't be happier and love the fork and shock lock out. Have since fitted a dropper post. The carbon version was very tempting but couldn't justify the additional cost for the riding I do.