The month of May is National Older Adults month in America. It’s a time set aside to recognize the contributions of senior citizens who left their mark on the world at a stage in life when others were retiring from work and slowing down.
Here are our favorite inspiring seniors…you’ll surely recognize many of these names.
7 inspiring older adults
- Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved “Little House on the Prairie” series didn’t publish her first novel until she was 65.
- Colonel Sanders didn’t become the founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise until he was 65.
- Ronald Reagan was elected to his first public office at the age of 55.
- R.R. Tolken published the first book in his “Lord of the Rings” series at age 62.
- Jessica Tandy won an Oscar for her role in “Driving Miss Daisy” at the age of 80.
- At age 81, Bill Painter became the oldest person to reach the summit of Mount Rainier.
- Alan Stewart completed a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of New England at age 91.
These older adults prove that you’re never too old to accomplish great things! They worked through the challenges of aging, like health issues and social challenges, and still did incredibly meaningful work.
You’ve probably heard the C.S. Lewis quote that says “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Thinking about what that mindset means…do you believe it? Do you live by it?
If not, perhaps it’s time to chase away any “I’m too old for that” thoughts running through your mind. Maybe it’s time to change your way of thinking and plan to live life to the fullest through your senior years.
Set some new goals–learn to Salsa dance or write a memoir. Take a trip to Paris or visit tropical places to sit under a palm tree. Do it.
The Huffington Post wrote an article where they shared advice from people who were 100+ years old. Some of their tips included finding a passion, continuing with education, falling in love, getting a pet, staying active, and spending time with all kinds of people (all ages, culturally diverse). Those are all great ideas.
If there are obstacles in your way, find a way to work around them…ask for help when necessary. Do something today that will move you one step closer to a goal or a dream. You can do it!
