Comedian. Most of the jokes I write are geared toward being old or aged or being a senior or being hungry or awkward or anything else I can think of. Check out my notes! I've also done some creative writing. I am also a member of SAG and am still hoping for that big break. Ultimately, I just want to tell jokes and make people laugh. I'm 69 on Monday, 12/15...
I just want to make beautiful things. I've always done needlework because I like functional art. I just signed up for a drawing class just because the thought of it excited me.
Don’t forget Grandma Moses. Just saw her oil on hardboard “McDonnell farm at the Phillips Collection. Painted with amazingly intricate detail in 1943 when she was 83. Started painting at 77.
Thanks for writing this article it’s just what I needed the proof that the starting point of being your best self doesn’t have to be when you left school it can be when your really ready for me it’s at 57 😀
Absolutely 😊 57 is actually young — especially when you’re just getting clear on what you want. The best chapters often start right there. Good luck on what comes next 🍀
Love this article!❤️ This resonates with me. After retiring from being an elementary teacher, I thought I wanted to be a part time college professor. But after several surgeries, the pandemic, and recovering from a hip replacement, I have decided to do what I have wanted to do. I love to write and take pictures. Every picture has a story behind it. Unfortunately, my eye sight is getting worse. But I will still pursue these goals. Thank goodness I have come across Substack. I now see that it is never too late to start something new.
What a journey. Love how you’re still leaning into the things that light you up, even with the bumps along the way. Writing and photography are such beautiful outlets — and you’re right, it’s never too late to start fresh!
This is a great Substack, and the "Never Too Late Stories" appeared at a perfect time for me -- especiallly since Ernestine Shepherd is a personal hero of mine!
I'm still employed as a technical writer, having seen software documentation change from printed, right-justified manuals to interactive web content. At work, I'm currently learning how to use Claude Code to mine our codebase for technical examples. That's already a challenge, because Claude Code actually CHEATS if you don't watch its output carefully!
But seeing Ernestine again has inspired me afresh to get a trainer at my gym, for the first time in several years. I need someone who is will respect my background lifting weights, and help me start building serious muscle again. Yes, at 71. I know it can be done, and if necessary I'll change gyms to get it.
Love this, Freda — your energy is infectious. Ernestine Shepherd is such a powerhouse, and you’re right, we definitely need more stories like hers out in the world. Seniors doing incredible things isn’t rare… we just don’t hear about them enough.
I’d actually love to know more examples too. The more inspiration we can gather, the better. If you have any favorites besides Ernestine, send them my way — we could all use the extra spark.
I write a journal called "The Extraterrestrials: A Journal of My Experience". It's a series of journal entries about CE5 contact with a variety of Extraterrestrial Entities. I'm currently working on Volume 2 of these very interesting conversations we often discuss. ✌️❤️🕯️and 👽( Peace, love, light, and Extraterrestrials)
I went to a Personal Development workshop just after I turned 70, some 10 years ago. Most of the attendees were in their 30s -- 40s -- maybe 50s -- and mostly women (I'm a guy -- and why don't more men want to grow?). One the 30-somethings asked me why I was there. I told her: "I have my whole life ahead of me!" We always do! Curiosity is my key. Why - why - why? 2-1/2 years ago (at 77-1/2) I had to give up my woodworking hobby because my husband and I moved from a town house - with a basement shop - to an apartment. I had started that hobby at 67 and had 10 good years (making over 100 tables and other objects). Not having a shop, I moved into a fiber work (I had done weaving for years) and decided to do Needlepoint -- for the fabulous COLORS I hadn't been using. Just turned 80 and enjoying making things IMMENSELY! Always have. Never too late to begin the rest of your life!
Love this so much. The way you keep following curiosity and adapting instead of stopping is inspiring. Starting woodworking at 67, then finding a new creative outlet and still loving it at 80 — that’s living fully. Thanks for sharing this!
Is anyone familiar with the PBS series, Growing Bolder? Not sure if they're still on the air, but they used to feature seniors who went onto pursue encore careers, hobbies, atheletics, art, etc. after retirement. Very inspirational. Https://www.growingbolder.com
Thanks to all who liked my comment. Update: class finished successfully. Signed up for next class. Loved learning, but still love/hate relationship with technology. Upload, download, where did I put that paper I just wrote. Ugh! Lol
I decided to get a masters degree. Will finish first class in 2 weeks. Just turned 75
That’s amazing, good for you! What are you studying?
I’m getting my PhD at 56 and leaving my husband. Life is just beginning for me!
Watercolours card making
That’s great!
Comedian. Most of the jokes I write are geared toward being old or aged or being a senior or being hungry or awkward or anything else I can think of. Check out my notes! I've also done some creative writing. I am also a member of SAG and am still hoping for that big break. Ultimately, I just want to tell jokes and make people laugh. I'm 69 on Monday, 12/15...
That’s great Jeff! I love the “i just want to make people laugh”, we need more people like you!
I just want to make beautiful things. I've always done needlework because I like functional art. I just signed up for a drawing class just because the thought of it excited me.
Don’t forget Grandma Moses. Just saw her oil on hardboard “McDonnell farm at the Phillips Collection. Painted with amazingly intricate detail in 1943 when she was 83. Started painting at 77.
Great article!
Thanks for writing this article it’s just what I needed the proof that the starting point of being your best self doesn’t have to be when you left school it can be when your really ready for me it’s at 57 😀
Absolutely 😊 57 is actually young — especially when you’re just getting clear on what you want. The best chapters often start right there. Good luck on what comes next 🍀
I love this!! I’ve just retired at 65 and have so many ideas but have started none. Thank you for reminding me that Rome wasn’t built in a day. ❤️❤️
That’s awesome — can’t wait to see what you decide to start!
Love this article!❤️ This resonates with me. After retiring from being an elementary teacher, I thought I wanted to be a part time college professor. But after several surgeries, the pandemic, and recovering from a hip replacement, I have decided to do what I have wanted to do. I love to write and take pictures. Every picture has a story behind it. Unfortunately, my eye sight is getting worse. But I will still pursue these goals. Thank goodness I have come across Substack. I now see that it is never too late to start something new.
What a journey. Love how you’re still leaning into the things that light you up, even with the bumps along the way. Writing and photography are such beautiful outlets — and you’re right, it’s never too late to start fresh!
This is a great Substack, and the "Never Too Late Stories" appeared at a perfect time for me -- especiallly since Ernestine Shepherd is a personal hero of mine!
I'm still employed as a technical writer, having seen software documentation change from printed, right-justified manuals to interactive web content. At work, I'm currently learning how to use Claude Code to mine our codebase for technical examples. That's already a challenge, because Claude Code actually CHEATS if you don't watch its output carefully!
But seeing Ernestine again has inspired me afresh to get a trainer at my gym, for the first time in several years. I need someone who is will respect my background lifting weights, and help me start building serious muscle again. Yes, at 71. I know it can be done, and if necessary I'll change gyms to get it.
Love this, Freda — your energy is infectious. Ernestine Shepherd is such a powerhouse, and you’re right, we definitely need more stories like hers out in the world. Seniors doing incredible things isn’t rare… we just don’t hear about them enough.
I’d actually love to know more examples too. The more inspiration we can gather, the better. If you have any favorites besides Ernestine, send them my way — we could all use the extra spark.
I write a journal called "The Extraterrestrials: A Journal of My Experience". It's a series of journal entries about CE5 contact with a variety of Extraterrestrial Entities. I'm currently working on Volume 2 of these very interesting conversations we often discuss. ✌️❤️🕯️and 👽( Peace, love, light, and Extraterrestrials)
I went to a Personal Development workshop just after I turned 70, some 10 years ago. Most of the attendees were in their 30s -- 40s -- maybe 50s -- and mostly women (I'm a guy -- and why don't more men want to grow?). One the 30-somethings asked me why I was there. I told her: "I have my whole life ahead of me!" We always do! Curiosity is my key. Why - why - why? 2-1/2 years ago (at 77-1/2) I had to give up my woodworking hobby because my husband and I moved from a town house - with a basement shop - to an apartment. I had started that hobby at 67 and had 10 good years (making over 100 tables and other objects). Not having a shop, I moved into a fiber work (I had done weaving for years) and decided to do Needlepoint -- for the fabulous COLORS I hadn't been using. Just turned 80 and enjoying making things IMMENSELY! Always have. Never too late to begin the rest of your life!
Love this so much. The way you keep following curiosity and adapting instead of stopping is inspiring. Starting woodworking at 67, then finding a new creative outlet and still loving it at 80 — that’s living fully. Thanks for sharing this!
Is anyone familiar with the PBS series, Growing Bolder? Not sure if they're still on the air, but they used to feature seniors who went onto pursue encore careers, hobbies, atheletics, art, etc. after retirement. Very inspirational. Https://www.growingbolder.com
Thanks for sharing — I had no idea this existed!
Thanks to all who liked my comment. Update: class finished successfully. Signed up for next class. Loved learning, but still love/hate relationship with technology. Upload, download, where did I put that paper I just wrote. Ugh! Lol
Love all of these stories!