Despite what you might’ve heard, it’s never too late to leave a mark on the world. In fact, there are plenty of people who hit their stride or did something rather incredible after 50. And we’re celebrating them today! Here are ten life lessons from people who made history after 50. They did the near-impossible beyond what some consider their “prime.”
Featured Image Credit: spaxiax /Depositphotos.com.
Colonel Sanders Franchises KFC

Colonel Sanders was over 60 when he decided that selling fried chicken was his dream. He had been rejected over a thousand times at that point yet he finally found someone who dug his recipe. He franchised his first restaurant at age 65. This is a tale about not giving up—even if you’re starting over in what some might see as the later chapters of your life.
Grandma Moses Picks Up a Paintbrush

When you’re 78, you might start looking for a new hobby because your hands just can’t handle the needle & thread like they used to. For Grandma Moses, that meant picking up a paintbrush—and starting a whole new chapter of your life. She didn’t let age or arthritis control her capabilities. Instead, she turned to painting to eventually become one of the most celebrated folk artists of the 20th century.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Shares Her Stories

At 65, most people are thinking about slowing down—not Laura Ingalls Wilder. She was just getting started! Wilder turned her childhood memories of growing up on the frontier into the “Little House” series that became popular with readers worldwide. Clearly, it’s never too late to share your story with the world. Your experiences could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Ray Kroc Flips Burgers into Billions

Ray Kroc was a little over 50 when he decided to take a risk on a small burger joint that he believed had potential. And it did—Kroc turned the burger shop into McDonald’s. His story teaches us that whenever we see an opportunity, we should seize it. Our age shouldn’t hold us back from this.
Julia Child Masters the Art of French Cooking

From spy to culinary legend, Julia Child’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. At 51, she began her cooking show “The French Chef” which introduced French cuisine to the American home cook. Age is just a number. If you want to start a new venture or change careers, you should do it. It could take you somewhere you never expected.
Yuichiro Miura Conquers Everest

Climbing Mount Everest is an incredible achievement at any age. But doing it at 70, then again at 75 and 80? That’s incredible—aka Yuichiro Miura. He conquered Everest time & time again in a way that shows us that physical limits are often only in our minds. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to adventure. You should try pushing yourself to see just how far you can go!
Peter Roget Invents the Thesaurus

At 73, when most of us are settling into quiet lives, Peter Roget decided it was the perfect time to organize words & publish the first thesaurus. His work has become a priceless tool worldwide. No matter your age, you can make a difference. The only things you need are the vision & determination to see it through.
Mary Delany Crafts a New Art Form

Starting at 72 and continuing into her eighties, Mary Delany began creating intricate botanical collages. We still celebrate them today! She crafted nearly 1,000 pieces, proving that creativity doesn’t retire. Even now, Delany’s story inspires us to explore new interests & mediums. Your later years can be the most productive & innovative of your life.
Charles Darwin Theorizes

With “On the Origin of Species” Charles Darwin forever changed the way we think about nature. And he was 50 when he did it! His work came from decades of observation & thought. It’s a sign that your contribution to the world can come at any stage of life. Never let your age be a limiting factor.
Diana Nyad Swims from Cuba to Florida

At 64, Diana Nyad achieved a lifelong dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. It was something she had tried before—but it wasn’t until she was 64 that she succeeded. The 110-mile swim took her nearly 53 hours to complete! What kept her going was her mantra, “Find a way” and that’s advice we can take at any age.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers, typically those born between 1946 and 1964, have faced scrutiny and criticism from various quarters. This phenomenon of animosity towards Baby Boomers has multiple roots, ranging from economic factors and cultural shifts to generational conflicts and perceptions of privilege. Exploring these facets can provide insight into the 12 major reasons why some people harbor so much hatred for Baby Boomers.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive

Discover the hidden truths of Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving but Are Dangerously Deceptive”. This thought-provoking journey challenges our notions of love, empowers us to build healthier bonds, and brings surprising revelations.
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive
The 15 Worst-Selling Cars in America

Not every automobile model captures public attention or meets consumer expectations. The market celebrates top sellers, but some cars struggle to find buyers. High prices, unattractive designs, subpar performance, or failure to stand out in a highly competitive market contribute to poor sales.
In this article, we examine some of the worst-selling cars in America, highlighting cars that may have missed the mark, from once-promising models to niche vehicles that never found an audience.