—can leave you feeling more confident and empowered, as participants discovered. “The very experience of trying something new, going outside of their comfort zone or conquering something that felt terrifying… made some participants more confident and empowered,” the researchers noted. Psychologists call this “self-efficacy”—proving to yourself you can do hard or unusual things builds an inner strength. It’s the opposite of the message older women often get from society, which is to “play it safe.” As one expert put it, we desperately “need to apply a more hopeful mindset and vocabulary when discussing older people.” In other words, ditch the idea that 60+ means slowing down— think bold and hopeful instead. Novel experiences can also spark joy and creativity, which are essential for emotional well-being. Research on aging and creativity (pioneered by the late Dr. Gene Cohen and others) shows that engaging in the arts, hobbies, and imaginative ventures leads to improved mood, a sense of purpose, and even better health in older adults. When you do something “ridiculous” like paint your first portrait at 70 or start a podcast at 65, you’re not just having fun—you’re nurturing your mind and spirit. You’re telling yourself (and the world) that you’re still growing. Finally, let’s not overlook the pure thrill factor. Many women report that doing something wild later in life reignites a spark they hadn’t felt in years. There’s a sense of liberation in giving yourself permission to be silly or daring. You might even rediscover the playful side of yourself that got buried under years of responsibilities. As Dr. Brown notes, “with a little prompting, we can trigger the spontaneous play we enjoyed in childhood… embedded in our nature is this capacity to lighten up our adult lives.” In short: having fun is serious business for healthy aging.
SILVER-HAIRED REBELS: ROLE MODELS OF RIDICULOUSNESS
Need some inspiration to embrace your inner rebel? Look no further than the growing cohort of 60-, 70- and 80-something women who are out there doing outrageous things— and proving that later life is for living out loud. Take Susan Ware, the retired real estate agent who, at age 67, took the plunge into stand- up comedy. Ten-plus years later, at age 80, she’s still performing and writing jokes every morning. Ware admits comedy is the hardest thing she’s ever done, but it’s also given her a newfound purpose. Another late-blooming comic, Mary McGovern, discovered stand-
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