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

Nationally syndicated journalist Connie Schultz discusses the role of women over 50 in our society.

Connie Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and journalist. She worked for The Plain Dealer from 1993 to 2011, earning the 2005 Pulitzer for commentary. Schultz currently is a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and the professional in residence at Kent State University’s College of Communication and Information. She is the author of the books Life Happens: And Other Unavoidable Truths as well as …and His Lovely Wife: A Memoir from the Woman Beside the Man. She is working on her first novel, about a working-class family in Ohio.

[wallihaley]

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!

[KesaKim]

YouTube 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.

[robingarrett]

54 - diagnosis of aggressive cancer. 58 - still here

[cybermere]

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!!!

[ElizabethGalarza]

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.

[FullyZoetic]

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

[JaneEva]

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

[ironmaven]

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. 💜

[Retiredinruraljapanvlog]

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!

[kindcounselor]

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

[PammyR]

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.

[lauraweeks]

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

[StauntonG]

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

[shelleykrupa]

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

[heathsavage]

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.

[bald]

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

[MsTeapot]

I'm glad I saw this. I am a 54 year old college sophomore. I found this to be highly inspiring. Thanks so much!!!!

[maureenwise]

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!

[cherialcorn]

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

[jenkreiner]

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