I can't speak for the Mag, but as far as the forum goes, there has been a lot of new members over the last year. In March last year someone kept count and it was over 30. Of course, as with any forum, not all of those are regular posters and many just post an intro and are never heard of again, but I guess that is the way of things, its not for everyone. But a good number have got stuck in and are now a part of the furniture and you son forget how new they are to the forum.
Of those new members, a large chunk are returning to the hobby after time away ranging from a few years to 30 or 40, and a good number of those have indeed retired and now have more time on there hands.
I think the hobby shop's have a tough challenge. The ones I see have a good mix of model kits ranging from the high end Dragon Hase kits to those intended more for people new to the hobby of what ever age. Our local LHS does seem to have more of the former. But it does seem more aimed at the R/C and rail road builders with the model section, though being a decent size, tucked away in a room at the back, and I very rarely see anyone else in that section.
I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so
On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3