13 Ways Women Can Achieve Success After 50

Do you ever feel like you didn’t reach your full potential in life or maybe had a few successes but didn’t hit it out of the ballpark? As we age, we begin to think of what we could have done to achieve success. It’s never too late to make a difference and just because you are older doesn’t mean you are relegated to working as a greeter at Walmart.

Just look at Norman Lear or Iris Apfel. They are over 100 and haven’t stopped being in the spotlight.

Success can be many things

When we think of success each of us has a different perspective. A woman over 50 can feel highly successful if she has had a long marriage, a loving family, and a comfortable lifestyle. Other older women who did not have the same experience may be starting or are still running businesses, competing in athletic sports, or excelling in the arts.

Below are ways a woman over 50 can achieve success later in life:

1. Start a new business

You don’t have to spend a substantial amount of money by starting a brick-and-mortar business as there are endless opportunities to exceed online. The advantage is you don’t have a huge overhead and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Other women over 50 who have been successful in their lives are starting charitable organizations and using their knowledge to help others.

It’s amazing how many older women are working as influencers and making money on platforms like blogs, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and even TikTok. If you coach what you know or give your perspective on topics you are passionate about, you will be surprised by what can come out of it positively and financially.

Financial independence is important for women of a certain age especially if you are lacking in funds or don’t have support from others. But don’t let that stop you as there are plenty of ways to become financially solvent as you get older.

2. Write a book

I have a long list of books that I recommend on Amazon that were written by older women and men including novels, how-to’s, recipes, travel, transformation, and a zillion other topics. Why not share your age-old wisdom with others?

3. Take up a new hobby or skill

No one says that just because you are older you can’t learn something new from scratch. Just look at Grandma Moses who took up art at sixty-seven years young. And why not strive to be the best you can be while you are at it?

4. Become a traveler

My passion is travel and exploring new destinations even in my hometown. Many women are taking to the road either in a van, ship, or plane and exploring the world around them. A good number are even doing it solo so they can set their own agenda and not be limited by others in where they go or what they see. If you can afford it, why not do it? If money is an issue, start with where you live. You would be surprised at the number of amazing places that are not far away.

5. Volunteer for a cause you care about

Certain women over 50 who have been successful previously are starting charitable organizations and using their knowledge to contribute to society. Others prefer to volunteer and help out in causes that are close to their hearts. As a volunteer or advocate you can be richly rewarded knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others.

6. Be an ace at grandparenting

For some women over 50, there is nothing that gives them more fulfillment than family and nurturing all the little ones that come along. A present and contributing grandparent is a gift to family members and a bond that holds them together. Having a positive relationship with your grandchildren or even children who are not your own is not only an accomplishment but also gives you a sense of security knowing they have your back when times get rough.

7. Find love and companionship

Women who have a long and loving relationship with a husband or partner have clearly had success but not everyone is that lucky. Some women become widows, get divorced, or live single lives. You can easily be successful and happy without a partner but for those who find new love, it is a big win for sure.

8. Learn a new language

Who says you are too old to learn to speak in a different tongue than your own? Forget about “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” There are apps and classes that make learning a language easier than it’s ever been and it keeps your mind active and engaged. Why not give it a try?

9. Become a community leader

If you are retired and have time on your hands why not help to improve the area you live in by becoming involved in the way your community is run? You might become a member and then leader of your neighborhood council, neighborhood watch, or city council. You could even run for higher office.

Glenda Jackson, who was a popular actress in the 70s and 80s, was a member of the British Parliament from 1992-2015. After she left, she succeeded again as an actress before her death at 87.

10. Earn a degree or certification

If you didn’t finish or attend college or are a professional who needs to upgrade to a higher level, you can take courses either in person or online and get the sense of accomplishment that you completed the task.

11. Pursue a passion project

We all have passions whether it is collecting precious stones, playing a musical instrument, dancing, or painting a mural. Why not pursue what gives you joy and become successful doing it? A 50ish woman on my Instagram feed who was a dancer years back, suddenly discovered that she still had it in her and is dancing quite vigorously in every post she writes. She even got to perform as a dancer on Broadway recently.

If dancing is too strenuous, why not become a master at Bridge or Mah Joong?

12. Attain optimal health

Good health is everything and keeping yourself healthy is the biggest success you can achieve. Self-care practices can make a huge difference in the quality of your life as you age. Eat well, exercise, and treat yourself by getting a massage, meditating, spending more time in nature, and connecting with others.

13. Keep a positive attitude

Your attitude is your altitude. See yourself as a success in the present moment in whatever you want to pursue and you will be successful.