My mom's about the same age and she likes to look at the snakes when she's visiting my house. However, she won't hold them, nor will she get close to them. After having a few snakes out during the holiday season, I had put the snakes away and had them away for some time. I walked up to my mom and touched the back of her neck. She jumped and then exclaimed, you made me pee my pants. We all had a big laugh about it and she was cool with it.
So, congrats on getting mom involved with the snakes. That's no small accomplishment.
Jim Smith