Would a PT help me?

[HGC2]

I am pretty fit, run and do lots of classes but as I'm getting older I think I might need to adapt what I am doing and incorporate more weights and Pilates types of things, I am also conscious that although I eat reasonable well, I'm probably not eating enough protein etc for what I do as I'm always starving, would a PT help get me on track, and if so how do I go about finding a good one, the ones at my gym are a bit intimidating!

A lot of nutrition advice cones from people who have done a basic nutrition course (ie they're not dietitians). Many of these people will have done something like a Precision Nutrition course. The aim is to coach you, rather than write a diet plan for you. They also try to crowd out your bad habits with good habits. For example, if you were drinking multiple glasses of coke a day, instead of trying to cut that out, they'd give you a goal of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. It can work, but may not be the guidance you're looking for.

Yes a PT can. Unless qualified they shouldn't give specific dietary advice like a meal plan, but they can tell you about good nutrition and macro goals (how much protein, fat and carbs).
You can try the ones at your gym - it's about your personalities and whether you think you are suited. No point getting a drill sergeant if you need a empathetic nurturer, but you might not know their style til you try them out. Be clear about your goals and they should be able to assess you and work out a routine. You may only need them for a few sessions if you are self motivated.

Yes they could help. I always used to be put off PTs as I think I had a lots of school PE baggage so I thought they'd shout at me, humiliate me and just make me want to do less as a result. Mine don't at all, they're very helpful and kind. They might sometimes challenge me on stuff but they're never unkind. I did tell them my concerns at the outset. I imagine they're used to people with school PE baggage.

They can certainly help. I am sure you will find the ones at your gym are not actually scary if you approach them. That said, not all PTs are good. If I were you, I would quietly watch the PTs and see who is working with them. Then ask the clients directly if they are pleased with their PT. Or straight out ask the gym manager if the PTs could ask a couple of their clients to speak to you (but you will only get the clients who they think will recommend them that way, of course). Or tell the gym manager what your goals are and ask them to suggest which PTs might be the best fit for you. Ask for more than one suggestion and then speak to all of the ones suggested to see how you feel.

I would watch the PTs with their clients and see what might suit you. The chemistry and trust matter. What is it about them that seems intimidating? You may find it better value to do something like park PT (bodyweight training say) as no gym fees - there is lots of that near where I live and if I needed a new PT I would know who to try from seeing them when I am out walking.

As you get older you will benefit from strength training and it sounds like you do need more protein if you are exercising so much, getting older and always starving! I'm a 51 year old PT and there is a lot of evidence about the importance of protein. Older women who eat higher protein diets are proven to gain muscle and have lower body fat. Exercise works by damaging muscle and you need to repair and rebuild it by eating protein. Protein is also really effective for reducing hunger and cravings.

Aim for at least 75g a day. Government guidelines are lower at 50g but there is growing consensus that older (50+) adults need more especially when exercising or trying to build muscles.

Eat some at every meal, eg 2-3 eggs for breakfast, a tin of tuna for lunch and 150g of chicken or fish for lunch.

If your veggie/vegan then eat plenty of pulses and you'd benefit from a good quality protein powered supplement.