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I'M TOO OLD! Part 1 - You're Never Too Old to Flourish

Dr. E. Ken Harmon
Jul 22
3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

By Dr. E. Ken Harmon

When I turned 55, my wife and I decided to really shake things up and adopted a 6-year-old little girl. Oh yea, I already had a 9-year-old grandson at the time. Fast forward to a year ago (March 2024), I took the plunge and left a fantastic job with an amazing team to start Stop Living Wounded as a business. Yep, I was 57 and feeling every bit of it! Whoever said age is just a number must have been sipping something strong, because let me tell you, age definitely matters. Keeping up with my little girl feels like running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. And trying to learn content creation and digital media? It’s like my last few brain cells are running a relay race and dropping the baton. But despite all the age-related hiccups, I’ll still shout from the rooftops, "You're never too old to succeed" in your dreams or call!

Many legacy members (senior citizens) hesitate to chase their aspirations due to self-doubt or societal beliefs about aging. However, while age may have some bumps, it is not a barrier to success. I believe age can be a launching pad for new opportunities - if you let it. In this motivational blog post, we will explore inspiring stories of those who have succeeded later in life, emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, and discuss how to overcome self-doubt.

Embracing Potential at Any Age

Many individuals believe that after reaching a certain age, they must settle for a quieter life. Psalm 92:14 reminds us that, "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." This verse reminds us that age is is a bump, not a barrier to achieving our dreams and that with faith and determination, we can continue to grow and succeed throughout our lives.

Consider the story of Colonel Harland Sanders, who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken at the age of 65. After years of struggling and facing numerous rejections, he finally found success with his famous fried chicken recipe. Sanders exemplifies that resilience and passion can create extraordinary outcomes at any age.

While Sanders is a well-known example, he is far from unique. Yes age has restrictions, it does not apply to Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Many have broken the mold and discovered their passions late in life.

Take author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who published her first book, "Little House in the Big Woods," at age 65. Her tales of frontier life resonated with generations and are still beloved today. Similarly, painter Grandma Moses began her career in her seventies, eventually gaining fame for her vibrant artwork. Her story encourages everyone, at any age, to pursue their interests.

A person engaged in lifelong learning with books and a laptop.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

I am not implying you embrace a "59 is the new 29" marketing propaganda. However, age should never deter anyone from learning and growing. In fact, embracing new knowledge can lead to personal fulfillment and new career opportunities. I finished a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling at the ripe young age of 57. And nope, 57 was not the new 27. At 57, I felt like I was, well, 57.

My spiritual mentor, Addis Moore, often said, "If you're not learning, you're dying." Online courses and community classes provide the flexibility needed to manage growth. Websites such as Coursera and Udemy offer self-paced courses on virtually any subject, from photography to coding, which can spark new interests or enhance current skills. Many of these courses are available for free.

One powerful aspect of lifelong learning is its ability to rejuvenate one's perspective and foster resilience. A study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) revealed that older adults who engage in educational activities regularly report improved cognitive function and higher satisfaction with their lives. This connection shows that when we learn, we also grow, no matter our age.