At Life Plan Resorts, the world’s most comprehensive retirement resort, we believe there are many reasons to take the time to examine the lives and stories of such individuals. The most compelling reason is that Late Bloomers truly deserve to have their stories shared with the world. They represent an extraordinary wellspring of inspiration, and even if that would be too much of a stretch here, we enthusiastically endorse the book “Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement.” For us, individuals who, after reaching the age of 60, have not only exceeded their own expectations but have also achieved remarkable feats, both professionally and personally, are a source of profound fascination.
From the realm of professional achievements, we find individuals who embarked on entirely new career paths, undeterred by the societal norms that dictate retirement. These entrepreneurs, scholars, and innovators stood at the crossroads of their twilight years and saw them as a gateway to new beginnings. They embraced technology and embraced the challenges of a rapidly changing world, reminding us that curiosity is timeless, and innovation knows no age limit.
Indeed, it becomes quite a revelation to discover how many talents flourished later in life. Age, it turns out, is no barrier to success. Let’s look at some remarkable individuals who exemplify this notion.
Dame Judi Dench, for instance, has been a standout in her theatrical and television work throughout her entire career. However, she truly became a household name in her 60s. It’s remarkable to note that all seven of her Oscar nominations came when she was over 60, a feat unmatched by any other actor or actress.
Warren Buffett (born 1930) and Charlie Munger (born 1924) are widely regarded as two of the most successful investors in history. The two created the present structure of the Berkshire Hathaway holding company in the early 1980s (so no more real Youngsters either…) and have been profitably investing in companies ever since. They continue to helm Berkshire Hathaway, a global conglomerate holding company, to this day. Buffett and Munger’s annual meetings in Omaha, Nebraska, have become legendary in the investment community, drawing thousands of shareholders and enthusiasts from around the world.
Then there’s Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, who didn’t embark on her painting journey until the age of 76. Her art caught the eye of an art collector who purchased all her paintings and showcased them at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. By the time of her passing, her paintings graced museums worldwide.
Frank McCourt took up writing at the age of 65, and his book “Angela’s Ashes” not only won the Pulitzer Prize but also inspired a movie adaptation and even led to the creation of museums in his honour. And what about Agatha Christies Late-Blooming Encore as an Archaeologist? Mary Granville Delany invented the Art of Mixed Media Collage at Age 71. Inge Ginsberg, a 99-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor who became a Heavy Metal Sensation…
However, these examples are not limited to the creative realm, nor are they exclusive to modern times. At the age of 62, James Parkinson made a significant contribution by identifying Parkinson’s disease. His 1817 essay on “Shaking Palsy” laid the foundation for our understanding of Parkinson’s today, inspiring other pathologists to study the disease with greater depth and precision.
The passage of time doesn’t diminish our capacity to dream or our ability to achieve.
On the personal front, these trailblazers embraced their own growth and transformation. Some explored the world, ticking off destinations from their bucket lists with a zest for life that’s infectious. Others took the opportunity to strengthen bonds with loved ones, rekindling connections and creating memories that would be cherished for generations. We’re confident that within your own circle, there are individuals with equally remarkable stories to share. It could be your own mother, at the age of 70, venturing into learning Spanish. Perhaps your grandmother, and trust us, in Portugal, it’s not uncommon among her generation to not knowing how to drive a car, obtaining her driver’s license at 60. Maybe it’s your neighbour, taking up dance lessons, or a former colleague, embarking on a new career path. The stories of late bloomers discovering fresh purpose in life are truly boundless.
All their stories resonate as a symphony of resilience, passion, and unyielding spirit. Those people remind us that the passage of time doesn’t diminish our capacity to dream or our ability to achieve. Instead, it grants us the wisdom to appreciate the beauty of every moment and the courage to pursue our aspirations.
Life Plan Resorts sets the perfect conditions for rewriting the script of possibilities
Our senior resort embodies the philosophy that life’s greatest achievements are not solely measured by the peaks scaled in youth, but by the unwavering determination to climb even higher summits in the twilight of life. We encourage our senior resident community to challenge the notion of limitations, proving that age is merely a number, and the human spirit is a force capable of rewriting the script of possibility.
Embracing the mantra that it’s never too late for anything, Life Plan Resort empowers individuals to surpass their boundaries and venture into uncharted intellectual territories. With an extensive range of over 100 captivating subjects, including workshops, lectures, creative pursuits, and our Special Interest Clubs & Groups, there are ample opportunities for exploration. Supported by life coaches, a proficient staff, Cultural and Learning centres, as well as the positive influence of peers, there’s an irresistible incentive to keep one’s mind engaged and try new activities.
The lively social fabric within our community stands as a foundation, nurturing connections, camaraderie, and the formation of profound friendships. We aim for our residents to forge meaningful connections, share their life journeys, and establish a network of support that enriches their overall quality of life.
Being a purpose-built retirement community, we aim to redefine retirement living by providing ALL the services and amenities to promote residents’ well-being and ensure a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle. Life Plan Resort is the first luxury senior community in Europe and the most comprehensive retirement plan in the world, offering accommodation, hospitality, fitness, wellness and ongoing healthcare on a 36-hole golf estate situated in the Tejo River Nature Reserve in Benavente, Portugal – the best place to retire in Europe and one of the safest countries in the world.
Afterall, life is not a race, it’s a journey.
So, let us celebrate these luminous souls who refuse to let the calendar dictate the boundaries of their potential. Let their stories serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us all to embrace every chapter of life with open hearts, unyielding enthusiasm, and the firm belief that our greatest accomplishments may very well be ahead of us, waiting to be written in the book of our lives. It is a human truth that each one of us can realize our gifts and unlock our full potential, whether we’re an early achiever or a late bloomer. Afterall, life is not a race, it’s a journey. Just do it. The best is truly yet to come!
