The average beekeeper in the US these days is around 52 years old, white, and male. I do not find that to be a surprise. Most people do not wish to be stung by a bee. You apparently have to be an old geezer to not care so much.
But the world is changing, and because of the interest in the welfare of bees, the magic of how they function, and what role they play in the big picture, all types of people want to learn about the world of bees.
People 8 to 85 have recently joined the ranks. They come from all backgrounds, rich, poor, strong and not so strong, they all have a place in the world of bees. Equipment that holds eight frames instead of 10 has helped a lot. It weighs less, and makes it so women can handle hives without relying on a spouse to do the lifting, and top bar hives, can do the same since you lift only one frame at a time and not the box.
Back yard hives can potentially do very good since you are close by to assist them, and they are not being dragged around the country and exposed to as many diseases as the hives of the professional. That’s not to say you can just assume they are ok, because they in the back yard. There are still many threats to the honey bee for the hobbyist as well, but good management is the key, and if the hive is out back, it makes the feeding and care more convenient.
So educate yourself and enjoy. Both you and the bees will benefit.