5 Inspiring Stories of Women Redefining Aging and Achieving Longevity

Aging is often perceived as a period of decline, a prephase to life closure, and sadly, it is true for too many people out there. What we propose is to keep remembering countless examples of people, both women and men, who embraced new challenges and remarkable experiences after their 60s and 70s and counting. Here are five amazing examples showcasing women who exemplify longevity, vitality, strong willpower, and inspiring leadership ability regardless of their age.

‍Diana Nyad: The Power of Perseverance among Sharks and Jellyfish

When she was 64, Diana Nyad accomplished her lifetime dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida among sharks and jellyfish. Concluding many failed attempts and finally achieving success, Diana’s determination and resilience paid off when she completed that 180-km (110-mile) swim in 2013. 

Now, at 75, Diana is an accomplished TED speaker, author, and activist, an inspiration for women of any age around the globe. There is a film titled “Nyad” on Netflix about her. Know that, “Whatever your Other Shore is, whatever you must do, whatever inspires you, you will find a way to get there.” - Diana Nyad, on her official website.

‍Maya Angelou: An Inspiring Call to Action

The late Maya Angelou, a poet, author, educator, memoirist, and civil rights activist, continued to inspire people well into her 80s. Since her childhood, she was an avid reader, and she wrote texts filled with love for humanity. Maya’s wisdom, her spirit, and her life lessons serve as a testament to the strength of women.

Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.” Her life encourages women to stay invincible, to share their voices, and never be mute at every age. Another quote on motivation is worth mentioning: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” That is a philosophy of change, idea of progress and adaptability.

‍Greta Thunberg: Activism Knows No Age

Greta Thunberg is included in our 5 cases to show how a fairly young person could achieve astounding results, bringing societal attention to the problems of environmental development. Starting her public journey at only 15, Greta managed to become a global brand and a global symbol for climate change awareness. Her dedication is inspiring for both the youngest and oldest generations of women to engage in activism and make a difference, proving that age should never be an obstacle when there is a serious matter at stake.

‍Bette Midler: The Performer Who Has it All

An actress, comedian, singer, and author, Bette Midler is 78 today. She has received numerous Grammys, Tony Awards, and other accolades. Known for her dynamic energy, excellent sense of humor, and vibrant personality, Midler demonstrates that creativity can flourish at any age. Her film career debuted with her portrayal of rock 'n' roll singer Janis Joplin, which made her famous. In the end, she said “My time on the stage is basically up.” She added, “I'm 75. I don't have the impulse to prove myself anymore; I feel like 'I did that.'”

‍Ernestine Shepherd: The Oldest Female Bodybuilder in the World

At 85, Ernestine Shepherd is recognized as the world’s oldest competitive female bodybuilder, as declared in the Guinness Book of World Records. When youngsters search Google for “Who is the 80-year-old woman with a six-pack?” they find the name of Ernestine.

She began working out at the age of 56, taking aerobics classes, and has since inspired countless individuals to practice willpower, devote time to health, and focus on physical fitness. Shepherd emphasizes the importance of physical activity, a healthy diet, and devotion to consistent training, proving that it’s possible to redefine aging through holistic self-care.

Conclusion

We have selected five bright examples of women who defeated the “too old” or “too young” label with their beautiful journeys, marked by goal-setting and achievement, and a lot of passion exercised along the journey. 

Diana, Maya, Greta, Bette, and Ernestine challenged societal norms and inspired others to embrace their age with confidence. By redefining aging and prioritizing health, creativity, and activism, these women demonstrate how important it is to live one's life fully and passionately at every stage.

There are countless such examples, and it might be a good idea to read autobiographies of remarkable personalities and what they achieved in their later years. Stay curious!