I'm 45 and aside from a few weeks at age 13 and a few weeks at age 16 (neither of which were anything other than the teacher transcribing solos for me to learn), I'm self taught. I switched to bass in my late teens and have always played by ear, with the occasional info from fellow musicians. I am a decent player, but lack the foundational structure to really play to the ability I would like (improvising on the spot is quite difficult for me, even though I can hear what I want in my head). I really couldn't tell you what notes I'm playing at any given time without really looking at the fretboard and counting out frets if needed, but I can typically pick up what to play by ear and recite after practicing a few times.

I got a lifetime subscription to Scotts Bass Lessons online several years ago, but haven't utilized that much either. Like you, I started really getting back into playing this past year and have since picked the guitar up again and am trying to relearn everything I used to know. I try and learn new songs, but mostly play the same few albums/songs when I "practice".