First off, as an older player myself (just turned 65), let me say WELCOME ABOARD!! If you've never played before you are tuning in (no pun intended) to a world of fun. There's a lot of work ahead too, but have fun with it or you will wind up quitting after a while. (Personal experience.)

It may take a while to get your fingers used to the spread. I know I laid off for several years and had to go back through getting that finger spread. I would at times just spend a couple of minutes spreading my fingers across the tabletop or even with other fingers pushing them apart. Eventually you'll get comfortable with it.

As DraconusJLM said, try higher up the fretboard. As you gain distance, drop down the fretboard back toward the nut. You'll get there, I promise.

Anyway, welcome aboard and hope your journey is enjoyable and educational.