In the middle

The story of Siddhartha becoming the Buddha is so interesting.  He was a prince who had never known suffering. At first, he did not want to see any more suffering, but he could not forget what he saw, and had to find more. He could no longer accept his luxurious life of royalty, but was so disturbed by suffering of man. What  kind of world is full of disease, aging and death? Why can nothing stay the same? There must be a way to get above it all or escape...

Live in the palace forever? Enjoy the company of my wife and child? Accept everything that is given to me?
No.
Living in the woods? Abandon my family and friends? Cut off my hair? Eat one grain of rice a day?
No.

Both are equidistant from the correct path. The answer is to live in the middle. Do not crave for accessories or have wants, because you will never be satisfied.Accept that life is change. Do not hide away in the woods forever, nor should you lock yourself in your castle. Travel in both worlds. If you accept the company of others, accept that they will leave. That which begins, ends, but what is important is that we live here and now. Do not dwell on the past, or worry about the long run.
Of course, we are all humans living in an era where our phones are glued to our palms or the though of no internet access makes us feel trapped in our own lives. We keep our friends close and always need to be with our lovers or families (for the most part). We are a culture of attachments.

The basic principles of Buddhism are understanding we are all connected no matter what. Be free of attachments and suffering. Do not want what you don't need. We may think we need these pieces of technology, and indeed they have become necessities in school and at work.
Professor Silliman said the teachings of Buddhism are widely popular among younger Americans, but I wonder if Buddhists are like followers Hinduism, where most undertake Synasa at the time of the typical retirement age. Should these teachings be undertaken as soon as possible, or is it okay to wait until you are ready. I know it would not be possible to sever all attachments at once, much like quitting anything cold turkey usually doesn't work. I'm just wondering if  this is something that Buddhists try to accomplish a little at a time, or wait until they are free of most obligations in their old age...