A Woman Over 50: A Life Unleashed | Connie Schultz | TEDxClevelandStateUniversity 

At 49, I started law school, and graduated at 52, then passed the bar. I started my new career as a defense attorney and have been defending juveniles accused of crimes ever since!

I run a woman owned business, that I started 5 years ago. I am 53 and LOVE hiring women over age 50. They are smart, savvy, and bring A LOT to the table!!! My business would not be half as successful if it were not for them!!!

54 - diagnosis of aggressive cancer. 58 - still here

I'm turning 71....and just about to retire and live my dream ...as a tai ch-Qigong teacher!

At age 67 me and 64 wife we decided to build a house, ourselves. Took four years but it’s almost done.

Published my first book at the age of 50. At 53, I'm now working on my 4th! Great talk!

When I turned 50, I started to get worried and depressed for a second, then I realized that no one knows how long we're going to live. I continued learning and reading and researching as I always had. I'm about to be 57 and are starting a new business that I know will be very successful. To the people that think that after 50 it's to late to start a new journey I say that the goal is important but more important is the journey. It had crossed my mind that I can die without accomplishing my dreams and goals because I am living the second part of my life, but I will enjoy this journey to the fullest, if I die tomorrow it won't matter because I'm living my life with hope and enthusiasm knowing there will be a tomorrow for me and if there isn't, that will be fine. I had my son at 42, he is going to be 14 and I want to be a good example for him and I want him to be a winner, I always told him not to have a victim mentally or feel sorry for himself (even if his whole body aches after football practice) We women need to change our mentality and be a good example. A few months ago my mother who is 82 were at the mall and she was trying on a pair of 2" heel boots, a woman in her 30s turned to me and said, does she still wears high heels? She talked to me like my mum wasn't there! That's a mentality society needs to change, and change will come only if we show with our example that we're still capable of thinking and creating and working efficiently as any other person can do. Oh, and it had never crossed my mind to change MY name.

Entered a nursing program at 59 and graduated at 61! Age shouldn't hold you back!!

Inspiring speech... I am starting med school at 50...

58years old- moved to Japan 8 years ago-became a yoga teacher, regularly trek about 15 kilometers.... walk everywhere with my backpack and camera.. .. feel fantastic and I inspire my Japanese husband and his family because I grabbed Japan and jumped in- ! I have constant adventures here!

I am 54, and graduated last month as a Registered Nurse! Better late than never 😁

RU-vid led me to this talk after several TedTalks about aging. I’m turning 30 in a few months and I feel so underachieved and anxious about getting ‘old’. I’m also feeling lost in my career. This is such a powerful and inspiring talk. I love Connie’s and all the women’s stories. And enjoy reading the comments too. Thanks for letting me know that I still have time.

At 52 I went to the Art Institute and was told by a post menopausal instructor I would never get a job. I then went onto University and was told by the course leader that I was unemployable, which was quite funny as he was the one who picked me as one of the 25 people from 179 applicants. It didn't matter to them I had high grades and was good at what I did. I gave up. Then someone who I thought was a good friend said I would never get any job because of my age, (59) I applied for a job with 259 applicants and I got the job. I applied for another job and got that too. However, I didn't take them but proved a point. Now at 62 I regret giving up my dream of a career because of those losers who put me in a box full of their negativity. Thank you for your inspirational talk... it's never too late. Since writing this post a year ago, I decided to apply for a job at 63! guess what? despite having loads of young applicants, they hired me on the spot. Don't give up people, you really are never too old.

57. Just sold up in Australia, left my training job, and suburbia, and I am heading to rural Spain to run a B&B and teach English online while I work a small-holding. DO NOT slip into middle-aged decline.

I'm in love with your "Don't wait to be invited to make a difference in the world" comment. Thank you, Connie

At 60, I published my first book, a historical novel, and won a literary award. Now I am working on my second book.

after years and years of living with ADHD, anxiety and PTSD, changing college majors more than 3 times, starting and stopping school many times...last year I finally graduated college at 61! And at this point, I did it for ME. To complete something i started and found incredibly daunting...I was so worried I would look like everyone's grandma. I did not😊..It was wonderful. Keep going ladies. 💜

I just graduated with a BFA... (finally) at 61. Now to create a life's work....

Youth and beauty benefit only you - temporarily . Wisdom and strength can uplift the entire community for generations to come. You choose which thing has more value

Thank you Connie, your TED talk has touched me in a way I never felt before. I am 62 and, having chosen to be 'invisible' for most of my life, I know I have a voice and I give myself permission (it was taken away from me all my life) to have an opinion. You have kindled in me a flame that has been smouldering for years - look out for the flame is about to burn so brightly that it will light up the path for others. I am not too old to begin again; I am not dead yet!

I'm halfway through listening to you and had to comment. I am 59 years old and my life and career have been like making popcorn too. I received an Associates Degree at 49, Bachelors at 52 and a Masters at 55. I am a software test engineer for the FAA. What I really want to do is just what you are doing. I want to public speak and inspire others to follow and find their joy. That is my joy. A reason I am now in Toastmasters and just did my Icebreaker. Thank you for your presentation! I also, do not want to become invisible. I won't become invisible. Thank you!!

When I was 50 I started playing polo. (I had been an equestrian for 35 years, I wouldn't recommend a non rider attempt that!) So many people told me I was crazy, and way too old for such a vigorous and dangerous sport. My 85 year old step mom told me that when I turn 85 I will realize that 50 wasn't that old, and to go for it. Best advice ever. I always try to remember that!

I learned swimming, cross country skiing and kayaking all after 50. Now I'm nearly 60 and learned ice skating last winter. Age doesn't mean much as long as you motivate yourself. I'm taking music and dance lessons now. So go ladies! Don't stop enjoying life. You can learn a lot free online.

I am always so late to the party, but still happy (and needing) to see this talk. At 65, I am frightened, but detetmined to make my other dreams come true.

Very encouraging Tedtalk! I’m 54 years young and a senior in college. Hoping to finish my degree in Social Work by next year.

Great inspiration to me, who just turned 54 earlier this month and who is in the middle of a divorce after 34 years of marriage. I, too, do NOT wear pale fingernail polish...I, too, do NOT plan on being invisible, and I am so thankful for the reminder that there is still plenty of time to do the things I dream of. Being a writer and illustrator happens to be high on my list. Thank you!!

I’m 58 and wearing glittery cobalt blue nail polish on my tattooed hands as I watch this!

A billion thumbs up for this.

I'll be 49 in 2 weeks. Today I'm going to open that cool tube of turquoise paint that I bought and put it to canvas. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I am 55 and since I was young, wanted to sing and write songs. I've had a checkered work past filled with anxiety and depression. I am going back to school this fall to take a very practical course simply to get a job. I am not giving up on singing again...I am so appreciative of all the comments below. We need more strong women of "a certain age" to tell their stories!!! Meryl Streep can play the role ;D

Wow! A very sincere and inspirational speech. Every woman over 50 needs to hear this. I refuse to become invisible and stopped waiting for an invitation in my late 40s.

I am 51 years of age and I am in a relationship with a 70 year young man who is real and who loves me for 8 years and I love him back. I am not dead yet so as long as my heart is beating and my breathing is still breathing I will live my life period!!!!

I will be 65 near Christmas and considering love and marriage to a 48 yr old young man. A lot of things to consider, but after 21 yrs of celibacy and divorce, i am open to the challenge! LoL.... its already quite a ride!

I am 59 years old. The Palm Beach Post outed me a few months ago when they wrote an article about my work. I freaked out. As I kept my age hidden for years. I'm so grateful I don't have to anymore! I am an Inner Peace Troubadour who has been traveling the country for over 17 years performing concerts for Peace. There's no stopping me now. Especially now!

I’m currently 20 and I just love the energy in this comment section. Here’s to the journey ahead of me!!!

If women waited for the invitation, we still wouldn't have the right to vote. Thank you, Connie.

I am a 53 year old singer songwriter in an industry all about youth. But I am not stopping because I am who and what I am and I will continue to express myself as honestly and capably as I know I can! I look forward to hearing and seeing more women over fifty who go out and rock!! Thanks for the great inspiration.!!

Thank you Connie. I’m 55 and been struggling desperately to know what I can do with the rest of my time here on earth. Unemployed now, in an abusive marriage, that I’m planning to end this year, been scared to death to leave not knowing who would want to hire someone my age. Hearing you today has reminded me that I’m college educated, resilient and strong. There is a future for me. I had independence and a career once and I’ll find them both again.

At 50, thought of retiring, but after listened this speech, i started my to do agenda, it came to 5 counts now and will be adding more. Will be rocking. Thanks Connie

I am 49, immigrated from a tiny town in Germany 22 years ago and will be finally working as a professional Nanny in NYC very soon; it was my dream since forever, but my ex husband did not like it...I will never put myself on the back burner again!

best ted talk ever. you pulled me out of a grey dungeon. thank you.

This TEDTalk is another example of how living in the past makes us think in psychotic ways, but looking forward and planning gives us hope and a future. Being 20 years old and looking forward to the age of 50 is a lifetime away, but having reached the age of 50 and hitting 60 now, I see that I still do have a lot of future in my life and within myself! It took me many years to confront this. So don’t lament about your past, see it as a wonderful experience no matter how terrible it may have been-and use it to find the strength to move forward and create hope for yourself, your family, your group, and even to change the world and make it a better place! Love to you all. 💝

Dear Connie you have just given me the courage to keep doing what I want to do , continue to believe in me . I must confess you had me at the hands and nail polish . I’m 68 no one will put me on a shelf till I’m ready to do it myself . I needed to hear this timing is everything. Thank you LiedyMc

58 and working with an architect to build my dream home. Life after 50 is good!

Great talk. Connie's story about people telling her she should change her name when her husband ran for the senate reminded me of something my late husband said. After we married, a relative asked him, in my presence, whether it bothered him that I had kept my name. I was curious as to what his reply would be because, frankly, I'd never asked him if he cared. Without hesitation, my quick witted love replied, "No . . . she was going to change her name but we thought it would be confusing to have two Georges in the family". I laughed in delight and word must have gotten around as no one ever asked again. I came across this video when a friend sent me a link to an unrelated Ted Talk. This popped up right after so I watched it. My husband died 3 years ago and we had no children so I just wanted to go with him. I had always wanted to write a book and had finally seriously embarked on it 3 months before he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The next 6 months were a blur of nursing him to the end, knowing my whole life would collapse when he was gone. By 6 months (to the day) after he died, both of our cats had died also. My little family, all gone. Nothing much interests me and I can't see anything to look forward to. I've just kind of been 'running out the clock'. However I don't believe in coincidence so I paid attention when 3 of the stories she told started with "when she was 62". I am 62. Thank you Connie. Wish me luck. p.s. I just noticed that this talk was published on our wedding anniversary, the year that he died. It would have been our 32nd. Synchronicity.

“You’ve got time...” I LOVED THAT! 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️ I watched this by accident. I’m so grateful!🙏🏼 Thank you Connie!!

I’m soon to be 63 & for a life-time have always wanted to empower women facing 50 to become stronger, fitter, leaner, so they too can enjoy a greater health span, during a longer life span & be the difference the want to see in this world. It’s great to hear Connie encourage us all to keep on, showing up, stepping up & shining bright - whatever the colour of your nail varnish.

Worked my way through college as a single mom, a term at a time as I could. Graduated in my 30s, recession, no jobs. It was ok, I could work doing really odd things and do interesting things on the side. All, it turned out, preparation. My mom died young of cancer, and I went home to help Dad take care of her. In one of her lucid moments she told me she admired me because no matter what happened, I always landed on my feet and kept going. (Tears in my eyes just writing that down.) One of the jobs I'd done was doing research for a documentary film about the environment. It so fascinated me that I decided that if I ever got to go to grad school, I wanted to study environmental science and management. On my way home from caring for my mom, I stopped at a college just starting up a grad program in environmental studies to ask about it. The following year I started classes, with financial aid and a work-study job. I was 40. The second term, I parlayed the work-study into an entry level job with the state environmental agency. For the next 15 years I did the most fascinating work I could imagine. Then life dropped one of its clinkers: I became ill with a disease that drs couldn't figure out, and my life gradually fell apart. Lost everything, unable to work, became bedridden, helped by friends and family. I never gave up: kept looking and eventually was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and appropriately (and successfully) treated in time to spend the last five years of my work life doing field work and researching and writing. I loved it. Still lost a lot of worktime, used up my savings, so retirement hasn't been exactly cozy. I'm 76 now, involved in community activism and politics. I'm thinking of maybe taking all my grad credits and seeing what the chances are of building on that to get my PhD in history. Maybe only so my kids can call me Dr Mom, but it sure would feel good. Oh, and I'm in love, with a friend I've known for over four decades. Now THAT I never thought would happen! Just don't give up. If there's anything that women can lay claim to, it's gumption. No matter where you are in life, think about what gets you through the tough times. That's what you can use to go for what you really want. That, and the people you discover along the way who are supportive. Leave the rest behind, the ones who try to hold you back. You may end up in a different place that where you thought you were headed, but if you do, it will be your best choice out of what's available. And that's worth a lot. Go for it.

This is really inspiring. I am 49 and still trying to figure out my life. But this to Connie Schultz I am motivated enough to keep fighting.

Only a few months before turning 50 I STARTED playing ice hockey!!! I could barely stand up on ice skates but I had always loved the game, thank you Bobby Orr, and the ice rink in my hometown was brand new. I was never good at it, but I got to play, first on an in-house co-Ed team (we won the league championship that first year against all male teams!!), then on a women's travel team along with one of my daughters. I had so much fun!! No one ever ragged on how badly I skated or stick handled, and I was never just a bench warmer. I played for five years and only quit because our rink was closing anyway. The most fun time of my life at 50!! I turn 70 this year, making art has become my passion in the last decade, and I am up for any art-ventures that come along!! Don't ever think you're too old to do whatever you set your mind to!!

What an inspirational and moving story for women, I applaud you and can relate. I will graduate in 2018 with my BA in Communications at 54 and I have quite a story to tell. I never had a support system to cheer me on but I had goals, dreams, and my faith that will see me through. I too hope to inspire other women. 😊 Thank you.

I should watch this video every day. I"m 60 this year, and I'm creating my own new reality. Love you, Connie!

Thank you for your "Life unleashed" stories. Im 54 going on 55. I started back in college last year (online schooling) and It is very much a struggle for me, Its been over 20 years since i've been in school. I get very upset with myself when I fail my test on my first try, sometimes fail even on my second(not good at proctored testing), then I get very emotional. Reality, I know I can do this! My kids are grown now and i feel it is my time. As others have said, better late than never, and not to mention this has been on my bucket list since forever. If all goes well, I should be graduating next year or early 2023 with my Bachelor of Science, Business - Information Technology Management. I just wanted to write you and say thank you for the encouraging words. I feel I also have a monster under my bed and will need to have a talk with as well = ).

Teaching around the world from 52. Still going at 60. Bahrain, China, Vietnam, Kuwait and now Lagos.

I’m 51, and always felt a bit of a disconnect with my mother over my career. She has never understood “why” I work so hard, and has given me a hard time over things like having a cleaning lady. She astonished me recently when she told me she was proud of me, proud that I was independent, that I earn my own money, and can make decisions for myself. She also shared she admired how I take care of myself and prioritize my health. She wishes she had taken better care of herself. I was floored

at 61, Im just starting a paralegal course. much fun! also, work. but...FUN!

I’m in tears...thank you! I’m 36, I got off to such a strong start, having a business in the 4th grade, etc...and in the last 10 years I feel as if I’ve wasted time. Not that I didn’t want a husband and children, you know what I mean. Thank you for showing that I’m not late.

Female snowboarder at 50...started when I was 40.. NEVER had the desire to be married or have kids and I love it! 🥳🥴😉🤩

Women of the world unite we have nothing to lose but our chains.

Yes, I turned 50 in 2014 and Celebrated. Having the right people in your life matters, and I learnt this the hard way. Thank you for this inspirational talk. There is a great book called late bloomers, it would be great to see a book written about Women over 50,with stories like this talk.

I was a mechanical engineer when i was 33. Then i stayed home 13 years to take care of my kids. At the age of 46 i started to study to be an educator. I graduated this end of August and now I'm an educator at 49. I'm very confident and proud of myself. It was three very exhausting years but it was worth doing. I love my profession as an educator, my childhood dream ❤

I am 50 and retired! I took the leap of faith, bought my time from the government and retired. My dream has always been to be the best dog trainer and behaviorist I can and make a difference. Today, right now as I type this comnent, I have a business of my own as a successful pet sitter and dog traiber.....scared out of my mind. But still and moving forward. I'm doing it I'm living my dream. I'm checking off those items on my bucket list and creating more. I feel so energized and alive and moving forward. In dog psychology and training, the key is this... Keep moving forward. Women of 50+, keep moving forward.

It’s a challenge to go into the world as a bold brave woman who has an opinion. I admire her brave sense of humor and opinions. As a 58 year old woman who just can’t believe I just wrote that number, I thank her for just putting it out there. I’m wearing purple nail polish today!

Thank you! 47 and in my dream career for four months now. Never thought I could do it before! 💕

I am 72 year old woman and I am not invisible! I am the leader of a band play several instruments, lead singer. We are actively playing music gigs. This is all after retiring from social work, I was a L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). I did not go to college until my two children were in high school. I hope I am an inspiration to my grandchildren. I still have lots of plans of future projects. I forget how old I am until my arthritis starts hurting but that does not affect my mind. I love your talk, just discovered you. I forwarded your talk to my daughter. My daughter is an amazing woman and needs to know she can continue to be amazing-age is not a boundary.

While I haven’t loved what has happened to my body as I’ve gone through life, I will take the wisdom over the midriff every time.

Dear Connie, I am from Pakistan, after listening to hundred of hours of Ted Talks, in last few months, this is my first response ever through social media to anyone, I am facing so many social issues and no help what so ever, culture in this part of the word is very different from west, I need help, for myself and want to prepare myself to help others in this regard too, I loved your talk because I could relate, the problem is, I might be the only one in Pakistan thinking all that. Where do I start? I am 55

I am 55 years young. I've raised my family, supported my husbands employment- moved across the country for his job and after my 3 sons had grown and moved out I began to look for a 'real job' (I hold two certifications in CNA and Phlebotomy from a Community College). Without going into detail- I am seeking to divorce and go out on my own. Every job that I have applied for- going on 5 years now- requires a resume. I do not have much of a 'employment history'. I am trying to keep the faith and figure out a way but my situation is taking a toll on me. I don't have enough prerequisites to even apply for nursing school or another specialized medical field (it would take me 2 years just to get my prerequisites) I have applied for student loans to go back to school but my husband makes too much and I don't qualify. I have always been a positive, upbeat, 'supportive of other people type of woman' but lately I am beginning to feel defeated.

We are 50 not dead!

I may be only 21 years of age, but I am still so thankful for this video and for her message. This is a video for all women, of all ages, and with every shade of nail polish. Ladies, regardless of age, we are unstoppable when we allow ourselves to be. 💪🏼💜💅🏻

I needed this! Thank you in the same boat over 50 downsized needing to take charge and move forward and follow my heart!

Life feels different after listening to this Ted talk, you are a gem Connie!!!

Unfortunately our culture is terrified of ageing and death. So people try and shove older people into the corners, hoping they will be silent and fade into the background so younger people are not reminded of their mortality. I wish our culture would grow up and stop treating ageing as a personal failure

When she said that thing about becoming invisible, my breath stopped. That is exactly how I feel. I have a couple of close women friends who are going through the same thing so it helps that we can all vent. I have described that invisible feeling to them and they understand it. It's not a pleasant feeling when you realize your role in society has changed, and not necessarily for the better. I Now understand people that said I may be 50 60 on the outside but I only feel like I'm 25 or 30 on the inside

Seeing all the wonderful women in this comment section share their experiences as they did things after 50 makes me realize I don't need to rush myself to do anything. Thank you for sharing your stories!

Jan last year at age 68 years I started painting and to my surprise I found I could get a reasonable result. Over the next few months I practiced and watched loads of you tube tutorials. I still learn more every time but now get commissions and each time I see tears in the eyes of the person I created the painting for my life is complete. Having said that I challenge myself more every time I pick up my paint brush. Hoping to grow. I will be seventy this year and am not done yet.! I am happier now that I have got purpose and new dreams. Don't let anything stop you being you.

One of the best talks that I heard in recent times. I will touch 40 next year and haven't even done half the things i thought i would. This talk is what i needed right now!

Finished my bachelor’s degree at 40. Wonderful talk!

56 - My husband passed away when my son was 4 and he's now pursuing his dream as a freshman at the best contemporary music college in the world. And now it's time for me to finally get unstuck and go for my dream as an actor.

I think I had tears in my eyes for at least half of this incredible video. I am linking it on fb. I want women of ALL ages to see this beautiful, inspiring talk and actually HEAR it, feel it, and carry it forward in their lives so we can all help inspire one another. Thank You (*sniff*)

Connie, you rock. Thanks for this awesome talk. Loved the stories you shared. My heart goes out to everyone who 'carries while they climb' xxxx

I am young at heart stylish and i will never let anyone tell me what colour of gel.nails i should wear i am a strong minded woman i am intelligent i am warm kind and helpful. And i am 54 years old and i am remaining young at hear and i am.staying that way because i am a realist and i am also authentic natural me. Independence is my true happyness. No matter how i am today. I embrace myself of being a strong woman 👍😊

I'm 36 and you made me cry!! Thank you.

What a great talk Connie. thankyou! its perfect timing. Im 54 and challenged by the No voices in my head. Your talk just gave me the most compassionate nudge in a direction I've wanted to go for awhile. Yep I'm guilty of waiting to be invited, so no waiting any longer.

Thank you Connie for these empowering words. I literally started to cry when she said “it’s not too late.” As a woman over 50, working a job that leaves me defeated I am struggling to make a new start. This talk was just what I needed to hear today.

I love this! Thank you so much! I’m 52 and I’m going to be a writer.

This talk came to me at a pivotal moment in my life. Thank you for the encouragement. 🎤

Connie. Loved your video. Validates what I believe about living full, rich lives. I retired from a lifelong career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, my passion and goal in life. I have been creative all my life. After retirement, I decided to pursue an art career. I just turned 73 and am loving this new adventure. We are never too old to pursue our passions, and we are certainly not invisible. 👍to bright colors and wise women who choose not to fade away.

i asked the universe for an affirmation that it wasn’t too late for me to follow my passion and fulfill my dream for myself. This morning this popped up in my feed. I am so grateful for this message of confirmation and affirmation, there are no adequate words.

At 62 I'm considering running for public office and have taken the first steps to do so. This is so timely. I'm meeting folks this afternoon to plan and strategize.

I'm 54 and running two growing businesses. And I'm also a caregiver to my father. I've never had anyone cheering me on but me. I had a successful career in my 20's and I didn't use the excuse that I had to go back to college to stop me from pursuing another career. Instead I utilized the unique accomplishments in my first career to establish myself as an expert in my field.

This is amazing!!!! Thank you!!!! I’m glad you kept your name, Connie is a lovely name for a lovely woman ❤️

This is great! I'm 63 and not thinking about retirement as much as starting something new..different. Glad to see I'm not alone

I know you didn't intend this... but you just made me cry... I'm turning 60 in 3 months and I feel so lost. Your amazing. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😘

I just turned 50 and I love it. Pressure is off. I quit trying to be fabulous, or normal. I'm neither and I'm okay! (I'm also a lot nicer to people because I know how hard life can be.)

Thank you :) I'm 32, I feel this resonates with people my age too. To juggle full-time work and being a parent, the only way to study is to do so part-time. Feeling like you'll be pushing (or over) 40 by the time you get where you want to go leaves that 'but why bother' feeling. But as you said to your friend 'you'll be 50 and a doctor'.

Wonderful Birthday message for me!! I celebrate this weekend and I will wear bright nail polish to remind me of this moment in my life that is limitless!! Thank you for posting

Very inspirational for me at age 42. I have been moved by this. Thank you!

At 47 I enrolled in nursing school...I finished and passed the NCLEX (earned RN licence) 1 month before I turned 50...1 month after I secured my first nurse job my husband (30 years) filed for divorce...Sometimes divorce is a blessing....Life is good...so blessed...4 beautiful children...a job I LOVE. THE BEST IS YET TO COME

You are truly an inspiration! thank you!