>>1679074upgraded softer brake pads will make a big difference
these are what you want.
also recabling the brakes might improve them a lot.
When you do this, make sure the arms are pivoting smoothly on their posts, if not, take them off to clean and grease.
Also, fixing the front shifting will be easier and cheaper than converting to 1x. I would only convert to 1x in the context of the wear on those chainrings being bad and them needing replacing, and your bottom bracket also needing replacing.
To fix the front shifting take some allen keys and a pair of pliers. Hang the bike from a tree branch or a rafter so you can pedal with your hand and shift with the other hand and observe what happens. And watch a few videos about setting up front derailers. Maybe change the cable while you do it.
