Never Too Late Stories: Seniors Who Started Something New at 70+

Real people, real stories, real inspiration

We’ve all heard the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if that’s just an excuse we’ve been sold? What if the only thing standing between you and something new is the belief that you’ve somehow run out of time?

The truth is, some of the most inspiring transformations happen not in our 20s or 30s, but in our 70s, 80s, and beyond. These aren’t stories about climbing Mount Everest or starting billion-dollar companies. They’re about real people—maybe people just like you—who decided that being 70, 80, or even 90 wasn’t a reason to stop growing. It was simply a new chapter.

Here are their stories.

The Woman Who Sold Her First Painting at 89

For six decades, Carmen Herrera painted in obscurity. Day after day, year after year, she created stunning geometric abstract paintings in her New York studio. Museums weren’t interested. Galleries turned her away. One gallerist even told her, “You can paint circles around the men artists I have, but I’m not going to give you a show because you’re a woman.”

But Carmen kept painting.

In 2004, at age 89, she finally sold her first artwork. Not because her work suddenly improved—her minimalist style had been brilliant all along. The world just finally caught up to her vision.

After that first sale, everything changed. The Museum of Modern Art acquired her work. Then the Whitney. Then Tate Modern in London. Major museums around the world suddenly recognized what she’d known all along: her art mattered.

Carmen continued creating daily in her studio, and lived to 106. When asked about her six decades of painting without recognition or sales, she said simply: “I waited 98 years for the bus to come.”

She kept painting not because she needed validation or money. She painted because she had to—because it was who she was.

The Lesson: Success doesn’t always come on our timeline, and that’s okay. Carmen didn’t let rejection or lack of recognition stop her from doing what she loved. She painted for herself first, and eventually, the world took notice. Read more about Carmen Herrera

The Woman Who Published Her First Book at 65

Laura Ingalls Wilder spent decades as a farmer’s wife, mother, teacher, and seamstress. She wrote columns for local farming publications in her 40s, but it wasn’t until she was in her 60s—with encouragement from her daughter Rose—that she attempted to write a book.

Her first manuscript, an autobiography called “Pioneer Girl,” was rejected by every single publisher who read it.

She could have given up. Instead, at her daughter’s suggestion, she rewrote the story from a different perspective, changing it from first-person to third-person and shaping it for young readers.

In 1932, at age 65, Harper & Brothers finally published her first book: “Little House in the Big Woods.”

It was an instant success.

Laura went on to write seven more books in the Little House series, all published between ages 65 and 76. The books became American classics, later inspiring a beloved television series. She captured pioneer life in a way that resonated with generations of readers, giving children and adults alike a window into a vanished world.

She didn’t start her literary career until most people are thinking about retirement. But that “late start” gave her something invaluable: a lifetime of experiences to draw from.

The Lesson: Sometimes the things we think we’re “too late” for are actually perfectly timed. Laura needed those decades of living, struggling, and observing before she could write the stories that would touch millions. Your life experience isn’t a disadvantage—it’s your greatest asset. Read more about Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Grandfather Who Just Wanted to See Their Faces

During the pandemic, one grandfather sat alone in his home, unable to join his family’s Zoom calls. His bridge club had moved online. Family updates happened on WhatsApp. The world had moved to screens, and he felt hopelessly left behind.

“I’m too old for all this computer stuff,” he’d say on the phone.

Then one day, he called his granddaughter in tears. “I just want to see your faces.”

That’s when everything changed.

His granddaughter started coming over on Sunday afternoons. They began with the basics—how to turn on a tablet, how to tap an icon, how to open an app. He’d grumble, “Why does everything have to be so complicated?” But his retired engineer’s mind began to engage with the logic of it all.

Slowly, the impossible became possible. He learned to send text messages. Then photos. Then he figured out video calls. Before long, he wasn’t just consuming technology—he was creating with it.

He set up a Facebook account to share his woodworking projects. When his granddaughter offered to help, he refused. “I need to understand how it works,” he insisted. He spent six months learning basic HTML and CSS through free online courses and built a simple website for his woodworking.

But perhaps his proudest achievement? Now he teaches other seniors at his community center how to use smartphones. “I might be slow,” he tells them, “but I know exactly what confuses them because I was there last month.”

His advice? “You’re never too old to learn. You just have to be stubborn enough to keep trying.”

The Lesson: Sometimes the motivation to learn something new isn’t ambition—it’s love. This grandfather didn’t learn technology to impress anyone or build a career. He learned it because he wanted to see his grandchildren’s faces. Start with your “why,” and the “how” becomes easier. Read more about seniors learning technology

The Swimmer Who Tried Again at 60

Diana Nyad was a champion marathon swimmer in her 20s and 30s. In 1978, at age 28, she attempted to swim from Cuba to Florida but was forced to stop after 42 hours due to dangerous conditions.

Then she retired from competitive swimming and moved on with her life—working as a journalist, author, and motivational speaker.

For 30 years, swimming from Cuba to Florida remained unfinished business, quietly haunting her.

As she approached her 60th birthday, she felt what she called “a true existential anxiety about how much time is left.” That unfinished dream started calling to her again.

So at age 60, she decided to try again.

She attempted the swim in 2010—and failed. She tried again in 2011—and failed. She tried in 2012—and failed again, this time after being stung repeatedly by jellyfish and suffering from shoulder pain.

Most people would have quit. But on August 31, 2013, at age 64, Diana entered the water for her fifth attempt.

Fifty-three hours later, after swimming 110 miles through jellyfish-infested waters without a shark cage, she walked onto the beach in Key West, Florida. She had finally done it.

When she reached the shore, she had three messages for the crowd: “One is we should never, ever give up. Two is you are never too old to chase your dreams. And three is it looks like a solitary sport, but it is a team.”

The Lesson: It’s okay to return to old dreams, even after decades away. Diana didn’t spend her 30s, 40s, and 50s training for this swim. She lived a completely different life. But when the dream called to her again at 60, she listened. Sometimes “starting something new” means returning to something old with fresh determination and a lifetime of wisdom. Read more about Diana Nyad

The Woman Who Became a Bodybuilder at 71

Source: The Dallas Morning News

At age 56, Ernestine Shepherd was a sedentary school secretary who had never worked out a day in her life. She described herself as “prissy” and “too prissy to exercise.” She didn’t want her hair messed up or her fingernails broken.

Then one day, she and her sister went swimsuit shopping. Looking at themselves in the dressing room mirror, they made a pact: they would get in shape together.

They started working out. They began to transform. But then tragedy struck—Ernestine’s sister died suddenly from a brain aneurysm.

Ernestine was devastated. For months, she suffered from depression, panic attacks, and high blood pressure. She could barely function.

But she remembered what her sister had said before she died: “If I don’t make it, you have to continue what we started.”

So at age 71, Ernestine asked former Mr. Universe Yohnnie Shambourger to train her to compete as a bodybuilder.

Seven months later, she entered her first bodybuilding competition—and won first place in her class, competing against women decades younger.

In 2010, at age 74, Guinness World Records named her the World’s Oldest Performing Female Bodybuilder. Now 89, she still wakes up at 2:30 a.m. to run 10 miles before heading to the gym, where she works as a personal trainer.

Her motto? “Age is nothing but a number. Determined. Dedicated. Disciplined. To Be Fit.”

The Lesson: It’s never too late to completely transform your health and fitness. Ernestine went from someone who never exercised to a competitive bodybuilder—starting at 71. She proves that physical transformation isn’t just for the young, and that grief can become a powerful motivator for change. Read more about Ernestine Shepherd

The Woman Who Got Her College Degree at 95

Most people finish college in their early 20s. Nola Ochs waited seven decades longer.

At age 95, Nola became the oldest college graduate in the world when she received her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in Kansas in 2007. She walked across that stage, diploma in hand, alongside students who were her great-great-grandchildren’s age.

But Nola wasn’t done yet.

She decided to pursue a Master’s degree.

Think about that. At an age when many people are struggling just to maintain their independence, Nola was tackling graduate-level coursework, writing papers, taking exams, and engaging in intellectual challenges that would exhaust people a third of her age.

She didn’t do it because she needed a degree for her career—she’d already lived a full life. She did it because learning mattered to her. Because growth mattered. Because she refused to believe that education had an expiration date.

Nola’s story reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge isn’t about building a resume or landing a job. It’s about keeping your mind engaged, challenging yourself, and proving that curiosity doesn’t retire.

The Lesson: Education and personal growth aren’t just for the young. Whether it’s finishing a degree you started decades ago, learning a new subject that interests you, or taking classes just for the joy of learning, your brain is ready whenever you are. Formal education, community classes, online courses—they’re all available to you, no matter your age. Read more about Nola Ochs

What These Stories Tell Us

Notice what these stories don’t say. They don’t say these people became famous (though some did). They don’t say they got rich. They don’t say they achieved anything quickly or easily.

What they do say is this: It’s never too late to learn, grow, create, and pursue what matters to you.

Carmen painted for 60 years before selling a single piece. Laura wrote her first book at 65. The grandfather wanted to see his grandchildren. Ernestine transformed from sedentary to bodybuilder at 71. Nola got her degree at 95. Diana chased a 35-year-old dream.

None of them were trying to prove anything to anyone. They were simply responding to a need, a desire, a pull toward something meaningful.

And that’s the real secret: you don’t need a grand plan or a dramatic goal. You just need to notice what matters to you and take one small step toward it.

Common Threads: What Makes Starting Over Possible

Looking at these stories, a few patterns emerge:

1. They Started Small

• Carmen: One painting at a time, for herself

• Laura: One manuscript, rewritten with help

• Grandfather: Sunday afternoon lessons

• Ernestine: Seven months of training

• Nola: One class at a time toward a degree

• Diana: One more attempt after failing four times

2. They Had Support

• Free classes

• Family members willing to teach

• Community programs

• Organizations looking for volunteers

• Online resources

3. They Had a “Why”

• Connection with family

• Continuing their passion despite rejection

• Honoring a sister’s memory

• Pursuing knowledge for its own sake

• Finishing unfinished business

• Creating something meaningful

4. They Were Persistent

• “I waited 98 years for the bus to come” - Carmen

• “I need to understand how it works” - The grandfather

• “You just have to be stubborn enough to keep trying”

• “Never, ever give up” - Diana

• “Determined. Dedicated. Disciplined.” - Ernestine

5. They Inspired Others Once they succeeded, they became examples. Carmen’s work now hangs in major museums, inspiring artists everywhere. Laura’s books continue to touch millions. The grandfather teaches other seniors. Ernestine trains clients and shares her story. Diana’s message reached the world: you’re never too old to chase your dreams.

Your Turn: Questions to Ask Yourself

You don’t need to become a bodybuilder or publish a book or swim across oceans. But you might ask yourself:

What have I been telling myself I’m “too old” for?

• Learning something new?

• Starting a creative pursuit?

• Getting in shape?

• Going back to school?

• Trying again at an old dream?

• Pursuing a passion?

What’s my “I just want to...” statement?

• “I just want to see my grandkids’ faces on video”

• “I just want to paint again”

• “I just want to finish my degree”

• “I just want to feel strong in my body”

• “I just want to write my story”

What would “starting small” look like for me?

• One class per week?

• One workout session?

• One page written per day?

• One painting started?

• One attempt, even after failing before?

Who could support me?

• Family members

• Community centers

• Senior centers

• Libraries

• Gyms with senior programs

• Local colleges

• Online communities

These stories aren’t about extraordinary people doing impossible things. They’re about ordinary people doing what seemed impossible—until they did it.

Carmen painted for 60 years before anyone bought her work. Laura published her first book at 65. A grandfather learned to video call during a pandemic. Ernestine became a bodybuilder at 71. Nola got her college degree at 95. Diana swam from Cuba to Florida at 64.

They didn’t do it because they were special. They did it because they decided to.

So what will you decide? What will you start? What will you learn? What will you try? What old dream might you dust off and try again?

Because here’s the truth they won’t tell you on birthday cards or in retirement planning seminars:

Your next chapter might be your best chapter. But only if you turn the page.

What’s something you’ve been wanting to try but thought you were “too old” for? Share in the comments below—you might just inspire someone else to take that first step.