If you are comfortable not shaving, then don't.
Just clocked 2 years of electro and I have just stopped shaving (3weeks ago). Most of what has grown is pale and hard to see. It will be getting zapped this weekend. Until everything has been cleared, you will probably need to shave if you need to shave now.
As is normal for these topics, each of us is different. I am in my early 50s and my face hair was red, brown, white, grey and no colour much so laser was out. Also, a mature beard may be a bit stubborn and perhaps thicker than on a younger person.
God the end result is so worth it!