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Even though the human lifespan has gotten longer, we have kept the "period of childhood" at the same length of time. In fact, if anything, we have shortened it. In many respects children are now considered to be adults by age 18. There is, overall, tremendous pressure on children to grow up very quickly.
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I do agree with this statement - with respect to the study of history, I have always found it easier to understand, appreciate, and incorporate history into my world view as I have gotten older. With a stronger, longer development of my own understanding of how I fit into present history, it is easier to appreciate the vibrant importance what often appeared to me as so many dead facts. I have always thought the 30's should be the start of the real advance into adulthood.
Speaking purely from personal experience, I have to admit that my appreciation for the study of history in any form was nil during my younger yesrs. It was lists of facts and chronicles of wars and ruling powers, or so it appeared to me. I do recall one teacher in high school who rounded out American history with tales of small events and happenings taking place during the great march through the presidencies. She was able to personalize this facet of history in a way which made it much more accessible to my small experience of developing personal history.