Western culture puts a premium on youth, and so we tend to shower compliments and amazement on people who know what they want to do and achieve their goals at a young age.
It’s just as impressive, if you ask me, if a person goes after their dreams at an older age – not only do they have to work hard, they have to overcome prejudices and stereotypes, too.
These 17 people have some super inspiring stories of the things they accomplished later in life, and they’re honestly giving me comfort in the knowledge that it’s never too late.
17. You might need years to tell the story right.
Or to find the right story.
I started writing screenplays at 58, and this month, at 60, I won a place in the Meryl Steep/Nicole Kidman supported @The_Writers_Lab with my western LITTLE SISTER, a story I would have been incapable of writing when I was younger. #nevertoolate
— Barbara Ward Thall (@bwthall) September 5, 2020
16. There’s nothing like feeling strong.
At the end of the day, you feel amazing.
I’m in the upper 40’s, finally writing scripts for money and attention sometimes. Started lifting weights a year ago and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and like myself more. That’s the gift.
— Arcadia Conrad (@ArcadiaConrad) September 5, 2020
15. Mom friendly and human friendly.
Excellent work.
Decided to have a try at a more mom-friendly career and got my nursing degree at 45. Now I’m just about to finish my masters at 59. Perhaps a DNP when I can’t turn patients any longer. 🤓❤️😷
— KNM RN 🩺 (@Knielsenmorris) September 5, 2020
14. Makes you feel like you can do anything.
Young bloods didn’t know what was coming for them.
I entered law school at 50..
Walked into a classroom full of youngsters..
They got up thinking I was their lecturer!
The rest is not history…but it was great being a student again, and getting my law degree.
Nothing like law…— Mina Anand (@minacricket) September 5, 2020
13. First thought: there’s a degree for that?
Second thought: where do I sign up?
My mom went to college to become a sommelier when she was 41 and worked as a wine consultant for 23 years until she retired.
— rouquinne (@rouquinne) September 5, 2020
12. This is super cool.
I actually didn’t know this was a thing.
Started doing fine art portrait photography at 50+. Was actually starting to make money at it when the pandemic hit. pic.twitter.com/J3VQc7mxzf
— Tara Lyn Joseph 📸 (@taralynjoseph) September 5, 2020
11. You have to work harder.
So it probably means more.
I’m nearly 45, and on my last course for an undergrad in psychology. I have been studying part-time while working part-time and raising two girls.
We should celebrate those who take the unconventional path, because the under-30s with PhDs operate from a position of privilege.
— Jill (@AltMumofzephyr) September 5, 2020
10. The first part of that is actually the most impressive.
But all of it is, in fact, gravy.
got sober in mid 40s, started attending film classes and making short films. Just finished my Masters in film age 50, offered teaching position which I start in it in a couple of weeks. looking to follow up with a PhD. Would Iove to make a feature at some point but it’s all gravy
— robertdee (@robertdee) September 5, 2020
9. We do what we have to do.
Until one day, hopefully we get to do what we want to do.
My grandfather always wanted to do a degree but he went straight into work when he was young. In his mid 70s ge finally got the chance and he completed a degree in vernacular architecture at Oxford University ❤
— Francesca Secola (@JellyBean_Cesca) September 5, 2020
8. He never gave up the dream.
Second career time!
How about a 65 year old guy who retired from being an SDSU professor and took up his long delayed musical career as singer/songwriter?? 😎🎸🎼💘
— Tommy Edwin (@tommy_edwin1212) September 4, 2020
7. You’ve gotta keep your mind busy.
It doesn’t hurt to engage your hands, as well.
My first year of uni, a woman in her late 80s (maybe even 90s) was in class with me because she was bored at home so she decided to get an anthropology degree and later I had a classmate who decided to take up archeology as her 50th bday gift to herself (shes doing a masters now)
— Brigitte Herron (@bookandthebone) September 5, 2020
6. If you’re doing what you love, it doesn’t matter.
Truly.
Turn 48 today, going back to work part time on Tuesday after a 4 years break due to Lyme. 2nd year Certificate in Egyptology begins Oct. 1st in my 2nd language, plan to begin a Diploma at 50 and a MA at 52 if I can save enough. I won’t probably begin my Phd before 60 and it’s ok!
— Adeline Jérôme (@adeline_jerome) September 7, 2020
5. Like it was meant to be.
But leaps require courage.
I had nothing going for me until five years ago. Moved to Sioux Falls without any kind of a plan. Now I make money with comedy, and took the reigns of our local comedy club at age 42.
— Archbishop of Spooky Bacon (@cursethedark) September 5, 2020
4. I seriously didn’t know that was allowed.
I don’t know why not, though.
I put my hand up during The Surge at age 39, turned 40 in initial entry training; my first deployment was a combat tour with a Special Operations detachment at age 41. Seven mobilizations so far.
I turn 50 in 3 weeks. Let’s see what comes next. pic.twitter.com/hFBJiMhMwq
— Joseph Malik (@jmalikauthor) September 5, 2020
3. You never know where life will lead you.
Or how it will lead you back.
I’ve got one for you. My sister is now working as a hospice nurse at the very hospice that helped her son who died of lymphoma only 19 months ago. She’s literally my hero.
— Lori Dow (@loridow71) September 6, 2020
2. A lady with a plan.
And plenty of time still to enjoy the fruits.
My mother started college about age 45. Went straight till she got her masters in behavioral education (double bachelors in psychology/adas) 78 now, still has clients as a therapist in California.
— TadK_GamerWriter (@GamerWriter) September 6, 2020
1. You can’t lose what you love.
It’s sometimes just delayed for awhile…
I relaunched my acting career in earnest at the age of forty, together with making my own work. I’m now 45 and have won six awards in the last five years and toured the world.
— Emily Caaaaahhhhhhhhrrrrrgh!!! (She/They) (@emilycarding) September 5, 2020
I’m wowed by these people’s perseverance!
Do you have story like this? If so, please share it with us in the comments!