Older and Bolder: Four Women Who Will Inspire You to Take On the World

Popular culture would have us believe that the most successful and productive times of our lives happen in our early years – building careers, relationships and dating, having children and raising families. Those are absolutely exciting and heady times. But by the time we reach mid-life, we’re told of all we will lose – our looks, our periods, our health. Many women express feeling almost invisible in a world that places such a value on youth. 

In some cultures, women of a certain age are revered, honored and respected. And with good reason. As women transition from one phase of life to the next, they bring wisdom and experience that can only be obtained through life lessons. 

Well, despite what popular culture says, an interesting thing happens to women as they reach their 40’s and beyond. They find themselves ending one phase of life and looking forward to a new one. Women report feeling a sense of empowerment to choose their own path. They tend to seek activities that are fulfilling and meaningful. They may revive dreams and aspirations that they laid aside while they were pursuing other things. And, bonus, they report a newfound confidence in their bodies and a revitalized sex life. They start to ask, “What do I want to do next?” “What else can I do?”

If you find yourself feeling that tug, you’re not alone. Women from all walks of life are finding success in ways that work for them. Need a little inspiration? Here are four awesome mature women who will inspire you to take on the world!

Ernestine Shepherd

Ernestine Shepherd is living life and inspiring others to be their healthy best. In her 80’s, she also has the distinction of being known as the “world’s oldest female body-builder”. When in her 50’s, Ernestine began exercising with her sister, Velvet. After her sister’s passing, Ernestine continued to live her healthy lifestyle as she had promised Velvet she would. In her 70’s, she entered her first body-building competition and won. Today, Ernestine continues to lead an active lifestyle, training and inspiring others to live a physically and spiritually healthy life.

Diana Nyad

You probably know Diana Nyad as a long-distance swimmer. What you might not know about her is that she has continued to set records and remains a strong advocate for mature women’s health and fitness. In 1979, at age 30, Diana completed what was thought to be her last competitive swim and set a world record. Fast-forward to 2010. At age 60, Diana jumped back into the water to train for what had been a life-long goal and would be one of her greatest accomplishments – to swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West Florida without a shark cage. When asked why, Diana said, “Because I'd like to prove to the other 60-year-olds that it is never too late to start your dreams.”

Toni Morrison

Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison was a single mom who worked for years as an editor. In 1970, at age 40, she published her very first novel, The Bluest Eye. That novel didn’t immediately sell well but Morrison didn’t let that stop her. She went on to publish a number of highly successful books and in 1988, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In 1993, at age 62, Morrison became the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

Julia Child

She’s best known as “The French Chef” and her Beef Bourguignonis legendary. But what you might not know is that before she was a wildly successful chef, Julia Child was a spy in World War II and, by her own admission, was not a good cook. At age 30, she took some cooking classes and was inspired. She didn’t enter the culinary world until she published her first cookbook in 1961 at age 50. She continued to work as a chef and author well into her later years. 

These women didn’t let a number stop them. They embraced their passions and found meaning and purpose. If you’re feeling that tug, embrace your own passion and step forward confidently knowing you have the freedom to live the life you choose. The world is waiting for you.