Article by Fabafterfifty
As David Seidler , in his 70s, collected the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The King’s Speech, I’m sure he struck a chord with many baby boomers as he said ‘My Mother always said I was a ‘Late Bloomer’’! Obviously delighted with his success at what could be described as the autumn of his life, his achievement must surely inspire other ‘late bloomers’ to follow their dreams.
No ‘invisible woman’ status
Helen Mirren was 62 and Judi Dench 64 when winning their first Oscars. Even this year’s best supporting actress Melissa Leo is 50 (although history may yet remember her for uing the ‘f’ word in her acceptance speech). All are far from accepting of the ‘invisible woman status’ attributed to women over 50.
I have been privileged to meet some wonderful women as part of my Fabafterfifty activities, all of whom have followed their dreams later in life, often finding themselves empty nesters with time to focus on themselves for the first time in their adult lives. From having a first novel published at the age of 72 to attending university at 60, retraining as a pilates instructor at 50, setting up a skincare company mid 50s, these fabulous women have shown that ‘late bloomers’ really can celebrate the best half of their lives. I even met Betty at a language class, who at the age of 100 was learning French. No excuses!
Oscar winners live longer
Interestingly , it seems that people who live their lives with passion and recognition may live longer too, with Oscar winners on average living three years longer than their non-winning co-stars! (according to Dr. Redelmeier). That’s an extra 3 years for ‘ late bloomer’ David Seidler to win his second !
Like you, I love the stories of people reinventing themselves, instead of sulking off into the sunset. There are so many opportunities for both men and women to shine as they get older. Thanks for pointing it out.
Have always been late developer. Married late. Two children late 30′s. Emigrated to Oz mid fifties. Started new career as artist, Author Speaker mid sixties. 70 who knows. Don’t EVER think life has passed you by. It’s always all ahead of you. Look forward with optimism.
Great advice Ellie – just goes to show tht its never too late to follow your dreams
It is true that late bloomers succeed later in life and they also live longer. I went back to university at 50. It was the best time of my life, I learnt French, learnt how to write good essays and had one literature review submitted for publication. I came home that day and cried. I wrote stories, memoirs and poems in French while at univeristy and now I am continuing at 64 and will have them published one day. No rush to do anything in my life or . I feel as though life goes on indefinitely. Now at 64 my business is better than ever. I started it at 36 so that was a little late to start my first career also. So through my 50s I went to university part time and also operated my business. I am stillcareers planning to do Masters Degree for my univ. studies. It will be fun to have my kids and all my grandkids at the Master’s ceremony (:
When I was 30, I had two small children and thought I’d be singing Humpty Dumpty for the rest of my life.
When I was 40, I had divorced, remarried, acquired two stepdaughter and a mother-in-law with one led, and was blissfully happy.
When I was 50 I was widowed, working my socks off the get all the kids through uni.
When I was 60, I’d got a PhD, given up work and gone round the world.
Now – anything can happen!