I'm a brand newbie in LTS, granted I'm not as old as you guys
My 2c worth is that if you want to skate & you feel like you can't handle group lessons then it comes down to $. If its possible I'd go for individual lessons, no point in paying out and not enjoying yourself. Of course talk to your coach, see what you can work out between your selves first
I took up lessons simply because I need something to strengthen muscles from old injuries & I wanted something I'd enjoy, I'm not motivated enough to be a gym bunny. I decided the rink was very close to my house (~15mins drive) and after seeing how much figure skating has changed from the old figures - thought it was worth a go.
I skate in the all ages classes because I can't make it on the only night they hold adult LTS. Our class this term was made up of around 10 people ranging from 6/7y to probably one 40+. They decided to cleave the really little guys off into their own sub group, leaving us with a mix of teens and a few of us adults.
In the beginning we had one 'clinger' and unfortunately she didn't get enough attention - the problem in the group situation is they need to teach to the group, not the individual. In general though I can really understand, I was at the top end of the group, my brother whom I coaxed into skating was towards the bottom, he struggled to get a grip on the basics while I was racing across the ice doing swizzles.
Although there are set kiwiskate levels you start at the coaches often mix elements from higher levels to help motivate as a bit of fun, my brother did find some of this a bit difficult but in contrast sometimes he got the more complicated things!
We don't get the option of private lessons!