I'm going to refuse to tutor a 52 year old in mathematics
I'm intrigued, why are you going to refuse tutoring a 52 year old?
Because it sounds like a lot of work, and I don't want to work.
You shouldn't assume that tutoring an older person will be more work than a younger one. If tutoring is something you regularly do, you should reconsider taking on the 52 year old student. I'm sure they will appreciate the help, and their ability really may surprise you.
Ok...So why shouldn't I, they should appreciate my efforts.
Well yeah, they would absolutely appreciate your effort once they know that you are willing to tutor them. An older person may be more mature and have already experienced a lot of things, and I could argue that they are wiser than most people our age, so I suggest that you don't refuse on tutoring them.