Three success stories of living with purpose: You’re too old for that

“You’re Too Old For That” is a regular series on Nifty50+ that explores inspiring activities being pursued by those over 50 years old who feel you’re never too old to do what lights you up.

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when people saw turning 50 as a sign to slow down. After all, you were closer to the end of your career than its beginning, and it was time to think about settling into a quieter routine and start planning retirement. But the truth? We’ve completely rewritten that tired, old script. Today, 50 isn’t an ending; it’s a vibrant beginning.

Read: How to find & define “purpose” later in life

Discover: Carla Hall proves you’re never too old to win big

People in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond aren’t just living — they’re thriving. They’re launching new businesses, travelling the world, learning new hobbies, starting new careers and dedicating more time to what makes them happy and brings them satisfaction. This era may include aging gracefully, but that’s not the main focus. We’re living with purpose, passion, a renewed sense of adventure, and saying “Yes!” to whatever feeds our souls.

We invite you to keep reading and meet some remarkable and inspirational people who’ve embraced this phase of life and are making it their best era yet. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about turning 50 and discover how you can flourish in your new era.

Nathaniel A. Turner, JD, co-founder of League of Extraordinary Parents

Nathaniel Turner, co-founder of League of Extraordinary Parents

When my son left home at 16 to chase his dream of playing soccer in Brazil, I thought my most important role as a parent was over. Before leaving, he admonished me, “Dad, it’s not too late. You still have time. You can do more.” That moment forced me to face a truth most people over 50 avoid: we don’t run out of time, we forget to dream. We don’t chase dreams like children, audaciously.

Thriving in the second half of life isn’t about decline or slowing down. It’s about refusing to die before you’re dead.

For me, chasing dreams meant publishing six books, including Raising Supaman, the collection of letters I wrote to remind my son that his dreams were possible. He insisted we share those letters with the world because, in his words, “When you tell me I can do something, I know it’s going to happen.”

That one book launched an unbelievable journey that’s given me the privilege of speaking to parents and audiences nationwide about purpose, possibility, and audacity. The admonishment from my son before my fiftieth birthday changed the trajectory of my life. Now 60, I continue to challenge anyone over 50 to wrestle with three questions:

1. How do you want your obituary written, your eulogy spoken, and your tombstone etched?
2. If the world were perfect, then what? (Most obstacles are not real.)
3. What were you made for?

Asking these questions has kept me healthy, purpose-driven, intellectually ambitious, and unafraid of reinvention. At 50+, thriving means recognizing that it’s not too late. I still have time; I can do more to be in the present so that I can be who I want to be when I am no more.

Debbie Weiss, Entrepreneur & founder of Maybe I Can, LLC

For a long time, I thought, “This is it…this is just how my life will be.” But when I turned 50, I had a wake-up call: if nothing changed, nothing would change. That moment pushed me to take responsibility for my life instead of waiting for things to improve on their own.

I define thriving differently from my 20s or 30s. Back then, it was about doing all the things I thought I “should” — building a career, raising kids, checking boxes. Now, thriving is about creating a life that feels meaningful. It’s about joy, curiosity, and the freedom to decide how I want to spend this chapter.

One of the biggest stereotypes about aging is that it’s all downhill. I’ve found the opposite to be true. Over the past decade (I’m almost 62), I’ve stretched myself in ways I never imagined: I’ve tried new things, discovered hidden talents, started a business, and written two books while navigating the pain of caregiving and becoming a widow. Yet, I feel like I’m just getting started.

The shift that made the difference was evolving my mindset from “life is happening to me” to “I get to shape what comes next.” I say yes more often, I’m willing to get uncomfortable, and I’ve given myself permission to grow.

If you’re feeling stuck, try this exercise: write down the story you’ve been telling yourself about why you can’t change, then rewrite it starting with the words “Maybe I can…” That tiny phrase opened up a whole new world for me. From there, take one small step to back it up. Action builds momentum.

Purpose at this stage doesn’t always come from big roles like parenting or a career. It may come from following your curiosity. Try something new without worrying about achieving perfection. Lifelong learning keeps you vibrant. You’re never too old; in fact, I think our age gives us courage, perspective, and strength we didn’t have before.

If I could tell my 50-year-old self one thing, it would be: stop waiting. You’re not too old, it’s not too late, and you don’t need permission. This chapter is yours to write.

John David Graham, author & founder of Good Samaritan Home

When I was in my 20s, I thought life was a sprint won only by the fastest runners who reached their goals early. But I soon learned that wasn’t the case at all.

My life has included many detours. I’ve been homeless and a business owner and, now, published author. But I had a series of career restarts over the years, working as a door-to-door salesman, children’s home counselor, substitute school teacher, truck driver, fireman, building contractor, minister and journalist.

In fact, I was homeless, and then nearly homeless again, when at 53, I founded Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit helping people restart their lives after prison. My plan was to provide housing and support to those who struggle more than I do. I employed basic business principles from the outset, primarily by asking what the need is in the community. Or more precisely, “Are you hungry?” Since opening, we’ve grown from one employee to 10, with an annual budget of nearly $2 million. The moral of this story? It’s never too late to start over.

Running As Fast As I Can book by John David Graham — “Running As Fast As I Can” book by John David Graham

At 61, I finished a Doctor of Ministry in applied theology. At 75, after a lifetime of experiences and ten years writing (and 200 rejections from mainline publishers) I found an indie publisher to publish my debut novel, Running as Fast as I Can, which has now garnered 41 awards, including the prestigious 2024 StoryTrade Book Award for debut novel of the year, and the American Writing Awards Fiction Novel Winner for 2024. I believe it’s never too late to change your life as long as you keep trying. Be willing to try something new — another path, a new direction. Be curious.

Are you doing something inspiring? Do you know someone who is pursuing a passion in their older years? If you or someone you know is 50 years old or older and should have their inspiring story told, please email the editors at Nifty 50+