Gain pilot attitude, obey instructions and use of safe equipment. No, you don't jump off anything. Paragliders are usually launched by running off moderate slopes with the glider inflated, until it lifts you off your feet. If the glider does not inflate properly, the take off is aborted. General athletic ability seems to help as it requires a little hiking but once airborne the physical effort is minimal.
Women can compete easily with the boys.
Being overweight and out of shape will put you at a disadvantage when hiking or executing a hard landing, but airborne there is an efficiency of scale and it is good to be heavy. There is no age limit but it is important to have the maturity to respect the hazards. In training you will start out just skimming the ground. As you progress and become more skilled and confident you will probably want to go higher. Paragliders have reached over 18000' above sea level.