Some general flying tips:
Use smooth inputs. A joystick will make a world of difference.
Speed is life...altitude is life insurance.
There are no old bold pilots.
Find out the take off speed for your aircraft so you know when to rotate.
Find out the stall speed with and without flaps - don't go below it. In particular be careful when climbing out from take-off not to climb too steeply - watch your speed carefully.
Increase throttle in turns to maintain speed.
Landing - fly a traffic pattern that gives you visibility of the airfield and helps you control your approach speed.

In particular the turn from downwind to base leg should be made when the airfield is at about 45 degrees (7-8 o'clock) as you look back over the wing.
Drop flaps in stages from the start of the downwind leg so you can fly slower without stalling.
On landing, use the aircraft pitch to control the speed and the throttle to control altitude. This may seem counter-intuitive.
So, if you're approaching the landing too fast pull back on the stick to raise the nose so that it bleeds speed and causes the aircraft to descend.
Try to land with wheels down on the "piano-keys" just past the runway threshold. If you're landing long, put full power on and go around for another try.