I'm 57 and I just finished a welding class at my local community college. Mainly SMAW (stick) but we also did some GMAW (MIG). I bought a basic Hobart auto darkening helmet via Amazon for about $100 which I was very satisfied with. I recommend the use of a respirator. I was the only one in my class who decided to wear one, and my decision was easy - after the first class without one I blew my nose and let's just say what was in the tissue was NOT pretty. I have this one - careful because it comes in different sizes, mine is a medium :
*3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7503/37083(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Large 10/cs: PPE Safety Solutions - 3M United States
and for welding this below is a recommended filter. You need 2 with this respirator. Coincidentally I had this respirator and these filters before starting to weld, as it is very good for sawdust, and for metal grinding as well as the particulates from welding. Comfortable and my glasses did not fog up even under the welding helmet welding for an hour at a time.
*3M™ Particulate Filter 2091/07000(AAD), P100 Respiratory Protection, 100/cs: PPE Safety Solutions - 3M United States
Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 396K