5 Inspiring People who Have Achieved Great Things Later in Life

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Some people bloom in spring, while others wait until autumn to truly shine. Late bloomers are living proof that it’s never too late to shake things up, start fresh, or chase a long-held dream. Whether it’s writing a bestseller after 75, training champion thoroughbreds into your 80s, launching a YouTube channel later in life, acting well into your 80s, or running a thriving business past retirement age—these inspiring go-getters show us that age isn’t a finish line; it’s a launchpad. Let’s join my pals Annie and Mary Ann for our Sunday faves and let’s chat about 5 inspiring people who have achieved great things later in life.

5 Inspiring People who Have Achieved Great Things Later in Life

Sandra Sallin on Youtube

I adore Sandra—we’re friends, and I have a little confession: I’m not really a “YouTube person.” Most videos lose me after a few minutes. But I actually watched one of Sandra’s all the way through—her recent one on keeping your makeup routine simple—and I loved it! Sandra has so much wisdom to share for women our age, especially when it comes to makeup tips and embracing the beauty of aging gracefully. Her channel is full of helpful, down-to-earth advice—you can check it out here. Oh, and she recently lost 20 pounds! I’m hoping she spills her secrets here!

Never too Old D Wayne Lukas

Did you catch the Derby? His horse didn’t take the win this time, but at 89 years old, D. Wayne Lukas is still a powerhouse in the world of horse racing. With his legendary work ethic, forward-thinking training style, and an uncanny knack for producing champions decade after decade, Lukas continues to prove that age is no barrier to greatness—just a “number” in the saddle

Ralph Lauren Designer

I featured some of my favorites from Ralph Lauren last week here. He continues to be a major force in the design world. At 85, he became the first American designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom—an incredible honor! Though he stepped down as CEO in 2015, he still serves as executive chairman and chief creative officer. Not bad for 89, right? Talk about timeless style and staying power!

Brenda Coffee-Author

Blogger Brenda Coffee—my former Ageless Style partner and the voice behind the popular blog 1010 Park Place—has just written her first book, a memoir titled Maya Blue, at the age of 76.. You can preorder it here. “Brenda and Philip’s life together was a fairy tale until it wasn’t.” I can’t wait to dive in, how about you?

Brenda Coffee Author

Helen Mirren Actress

Helen Mirren AARP

Whether she’s playing royalty or cracking jokes on thered carpet, she does it all with her signature blend of charm and wit. With her silver hair and sassy spirit, Helen reminds us all that style, wit, and confidence only get better with age. She’s the kind of woman who is just at home at a royal gala or a locals favorite pub. She is my kind girl. You might enjoy her interview on AARP here.

Outfit of the Week

Outfit of the Week J Jill

After last weeks post on matching sets here, I received lots of questions about whether these work for petites, and I found a great option at J.jill with extended sizing that I think you’ll love. It also comes in several other colorways!

J jill Linen Pants, J Jill Linen Shirt, Caddis Sunnies, Madagascar bag, Frankie4 Sandals, Rattan Earrings.

I hope you are having a great Sunday and enjoyed reading 5 Inspiring People who Have Achieved Great Things Later in Life. We are off to Auto Camp in the Sequoias. Have you been? Any suggestions? Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their favorites.

Age positively, age confidently, Age fashionably

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20 Comments

  1. I wish also!!! Goodness, what a lovely surprise. I’m so honored to be featured with this group of luminous creators. Thank you. My son was here recently and unsubscribed me from who knows what. He decided that my In box was too full. So I think that’s how i missed this. You are so kind to feature me. Truly thank you. BTW, I ordered your Pat Welsh’s gardening book. I’ve already ordered Brenda Coffee’s book and love all of your recommendations!!! Thank you again.

  3. Cindy! What an inspiring post! I love that you’ve highlighted all of these deserving people! I adore Sandra and I have watched her YouTube’s, even though, like you I’m not much of a YouTube viewer! She’s captivating, isn’t she??

  4. i just love that you have included our friend sandra with these luminaries – because she is luminous!!!!

  5. Hi CIndy,
    You misspelled Helen Mirren’s name in the headline– just FYI!

  7. I look forward to your report on the AutoCamp. Sounds like fun! I hope it is a refreshing get-a-way for you and Steve!

  8. Love love love Sandra Sallin! And I’m anxiously waiting for my copy of Brenda Coffee’s book Maya Blue to arrive. You’re going camping? I just can’t do it! Roughing it is when room service is late!

    1. Hi Diana
      It is more like glamping. We camped in our younger years, but we are too old for “real” camping now! Check out Autocamp online, you will see it is not exactly roughing it!

  9. What a great start to my sunny Sunday morning ! I so enjoyed Sandra’s video about tinted sunscreen, mostly because I use Jane Iredale mineral make up with a brush after prepping my skin applying sunscreen first, and wanted to see another application technique. I will check out more of her work. If you read my blurb about my skin care choices the other day, you’ll realize I am a creature of habit…if the habit works!
    Helen Mirren…what a woman! even though interview is from a few years ago, it was so incredibly interesting…and the puppies!🐶 She is such an amazing professional and lovely person. Very inspiring. Thanks for these excellent choices , Cindy.

    1. Hi Cath
      I loved Sandra’s video too. She takes such a practical approach. I am basically a creature of habit, but feel I need to stay current for you ladies and try new things!

  10. Oh, my! What a beautiful way to start this bright sunny Sunday morning. I enjoyed every section, but I am now a huge Sandra Sallin fan. Thank you for introducing me to her.

  11. Thank you for the Helen interview, I love her. I wouldn’t have found that if not for your link.

    1. Hi Cindy
      Helen Mirren is so inspiring, isn’t she? I just love her!

  12. Love that you featured Sandra Sallin. Adore her! I always look forward to her YouTube videos. I’ve learned so much from her videos and she is a delight!

  13. Very inspiring! Have fun camping and enjoy the fresh air. I have that J. Jill linen set in blue. Very comfortable. The link to the rattan earrings isn’t working. They are cute.

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