Could it be my Mac laptop just be too old to run the new SU 2024? I have the following:
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)
Processor: 2.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5
So,
let’s check requirements :
https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/system-requirements
Technically, yes. if you have more than 4Gb RAM you should be fine
However, you won’t be able to use the new engine, since it requires at least the latest Monterrey (12) but will run better on Ventura.
In your profile you mention Big Sur, it’s covered by 23 and 24, but with the classic engine.
Now, that means it can run. will it run fast ? well it depends on your RAM and on the type of projects you’re planning to do.
modelling simple elements by yourself, yes.
modelling spaces and placing lots of complex furnitures from the warehouse ? maybe, up to the point it starts smoking.
modelling a building… well it’s between the two other cases 
Anyway, your subscription covers the previous versions, so if you install 24 and feel it’s not running great, you could try 23, although on an old mac, 23 and 24 are pretty similar. or 22.
(just thinking about the people saying that apple and trimble and all the software companies are pushing customers to get new machines all the time because they don’t support older ones…
the oldest OS supported is Big Sur, released in 2020. the oldest machines big sur can be installed on are late 2013 macbook pro/air
Most macs from the last 11 years can use Sketchup 2024.
that’s somme good compatibility)