I disagree. See mechanical_fish's comment below: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1811011

In a way, it makes more sense for an elder to get a PhD than someone in his youth.

You missed the part where he said wants a "Dr." prefix before his name. I didn't do any analysis, just took the man on his word.

The problem with the statement is 'Like any successful PhD' ... There should be some analysis to back that up.

Ahh, my mistake.

No worries :-)

And like any PhD, the really difficult part will be finishing.

More so for him than your average 21-year-old.