Women Who Soared after Menopause: You Can Too

Key Takeaways

Research shows women entrepreneurs actually have higher chances of success after age 50 than their younger counterparts.
Many iconic women like Oprah Winfrey, Helen Mirren, and Judi Dench achieved their greatest success and influence post-menopause.
The hormonal stability that comes after menopause can bring new mental clarity and focus to pursue long-held dreams.
Women who launch businesses or creative ventures after 50 bring decades of experience, wisdom, and connections that provide distinct advantages.

The Surprising Power Unleashed After Menopause

Society often portrays menopause as an ending—a time when women fade into invisibility. Yet for countless women, this transition marks not an ending but a powerful beginning. Far from being a decline, the post-menopausal years can unleash newfound energy, clarity, and purpose. I’m sure you’ve seen women who discovered their most authentic voice precisely when society expected them to quiet down.

Science actually backs this up. Research shows that entrepreneurs who launch startups in their 50s succeed at roughly the same rate as those in their 20s. Even more striking, female entrepreneurs’ chances of success are actually higher at later life stages. When Janet McGlaughlin founded Marmion recruitment company in her 50s, she adopted the philosophy “don’t be afraid to be brave”—and that courage paid off tremendously.

Why Your Post-Menopausal Years Bring Advantage

1. Research Shows Women Entrepreneurs Succeed More After 50

The stereotype that innovation belongs to the young is simply wrong when it comes to business success. Studies have demonstrated that older entrepreneurs bring crucial advantages to their ventures. For women specifically, the post-50 period often combines peak confidence with extensive professional networks and practical wisdom.

When Andrea Leadsom MP reached 58, she reflected that “age is just no barrier at all” and that “55 is an extraordinary time.” This sentiment echoes throughout the business world, where women increasingly recognize that their prime years may still lie ahead.

2. Hormonal Stability Creates New Mental Clarity

While menopause brings hormonal changes that can be challenging, the post-menopausal period often delivers something remarkable: stability. Many women report a mental clarity and emotional steadiness they hadn’t experienced before. The end of hormonal fluctuations can bring a consistency that allows for deep focus on long-held dreams and ambitions.

This newfound clarity often coincides with major life transitions—children growing independent, career plateaus ready for disruption, or simply the wisdom to recognize what truly matters. It’s the perfect storm for creative reinvention.

3. Experience And Wisdom Become Your Greatest Assets

By midlife, women have accumulated decades of professional expertise, navigated countless challenges, and built robust networks. This combination creates a powerful foundation for success that younger entrepreneurs simply can’t match. The confidence that comes from weathering life’s storms becomes an invaluable asset in business and creative pursuits.

Take Susanna Clarke, who won the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction at age 62 with her second novel after a 17-year gap between publications. Her life experience deepened her work in ways that wouldn’t have been possible earlier in her career.

7 Remarkable Women Who Thrived After Menopause

1. Janet McGlaughlin: Founded Marmion Recruitment In Her 50s

Janet’s story perfectly illustrates what happens when a woman rejects society’s limitations. After 32 years in the workforce, she didn’t slow down as expected – instead, she launched Marmion recruitment company in her 50s. As she approached 60, Janet briefly considered stepping back from her business as “that’s what people of her age tend to do.” But upon reflection, she realized her passion and energy remained as strong as ever. Why stop doing what she loves?

Her philosophy, “don’t be afraid to be brave,” has inspired countless women to recognize that their accumulated experience is a tremendous asset, not a liability.

2. Oprah Winfrey: First African American Female Billionaire At 60+

Oprah Winfrey broke through countless barriers to become one of the world’s most influential women. At 67, she continues to expand her media empire and philanthropic work. As the first African American female billionaire, she’s demonstrated how women can achieve unprecedented success in their later years.

Oprah once wisely noted, “The way I see it, every year can be a brand new journey. Think about it: You get one chance to be 25, 38, 44, 61 and every age before and between. Why wouldn’t you want to experience all the wonder in each step on your path?”

3. Ita Buttrose: Became ABC Chairman At 76

Australian publishing icon Ita Buttrose has become increasingly influential with age. At 79, she serves as Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, demonstrating leadership capabilities that have only strengthened over time.

Ita doesn’t mince words about society’s misperceptions: “The reason women are always reluctant to reveal their age is because other people label them as ‘past it’. In the 21st century, women over 60 are not past it – we are vital, active, sexual beings, living life to the full.”

4. Helen Clark: UN Leadership After Political Career

The Right Honorable Helen Clark served as New Zealand’s 37th Prime Minister before taking on leadership roles at the United Nations. At 71, her global influence continues to grow. In 2020, the World Health Organization appointed her as co-chair of a panel reviewing the WHO’s handling of COVID-19.

Clark’s philosophy – “Never look back” – exemplifies how post-menopausal women can continue to build on their experience rather than resting on past accomplishments.

5. Dame Judi Dench: Award-Winning Roles In Her 80s

At 86, Dame Judi Dench continues to take on challenging acting roles and win awards for her performances. Her perspective on aging is refreshingly direct: “Age is a number. It’s something imposed on you… It drives me absolutely spare when people say, ‘Are you going to retire? Isn’t it time you put your feet up?’ “

Her continued artistic growth demonstrates how creativity often deepens with age and experience.

6. Jenny Kee: Fashion Icon With Instagram Following At 74

Australian fashion designer Jenny Kee continues to influence the design world well into her 70s. Known for her colorful, distinctly Australian aesthetic, her designs have been worn by figures as prominent as Princess Diana.

At 74, Jenny uses social media with a 40,000+ Instagram following. When asked what she loves about this stage of life, she responded: “Having the freedom to express myself in the ways I want to be seen; showing the world that I don’t have to be invisible over 50. We are fashionable, youthful, healthy and passionate – and that will never change.”

7. Roxanne Gould: Grey-Haired Model With 210K+ Followers

As one of the world’s first grey-haired models, Roxanne Gould has transformed how society perceives aging women. With over 210,000 Instagram followers, she uses her platform to challenge ageist beauty standards.

When asked where she saw herself in 10 years, Roxanne (then 60) responded confidently: “I’m hoping to still be in this business. Maye Musk [Elon Musk’s mother] is a close friend and an inspiration to me—she just got a Cover Girl campaign at age 70. I feel like I’ve got another 10 years in me, easy.”

How To Channel Your Post-Menopausal Potential

Reframe Your Mindset About Aging

The first and most crucial step is to challenge internalized ageism – those subtle beliefs we’ve absorbed from a youth-obsessed culture. Replace limiting thoughts (“I’m too old to start”) with empowering questions (“What unique advantages do my years of experience give me?”).

Consider how Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the renowned opera singer, approached her later years: “I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been. As you get older you have to be.” This confidence isn’t coincidental – it’s the natural result of decades of growth and self-knowledge.

Use Your Decades Of Connections

By midlife, you’ve built an extensive network of professional and personal connections. These relationships represent one of your most valuable assets as you begin new ventures. Whether you’re starting a business, launching a creative project, or reinventing your career, your network can provide support, opportunities, and collaborations that younger people simply don’t have access to.

Make a list of the 20 most influential people in your network and consider reaching out to reconnect. You’ll likely be surprised at how many doors open when you activate these long-standing relationships.

Be Your Authentic Self Without Apology

One of the most liberating aspects of aging is the freedom to fully inhabit your authentic self. After decades of accommodating others’ expectations, post-menopausal women often describe a powerful shift toward unapologetic self-expression.

Ita Buttrose captured this sentiment perfectly when she said women over 60 are “vital, active, sexual beings.” Roxanne Gould built an entire modeling career by showing her natural gray hair rather than hiding it. This authenticity connects with audiences of all ages and creates opportunities that trying to appear younger never could.

Create A Vision That Ignites Your Passion

What would you pursue if you knew you couldn’t fail? The post-menopausal years are the perfect time to revisit long-deferred dreams or discover entirely new passions. Author Kerry Hannon, who wrote Never Too Old to Get Rich: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life at age 62, notes that conversations with blooming boomer women entrepreneurs inspire her because of “the aura of possibility and the creative thinking that surrounds them.”

When British author Susanna Clarke won the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction at 62 with her second novel after a 17-year gap, she demonstrated how creative vision can flourish at any age. She had previously stated, “I’d really ceased to think of myself as a writer…it all seemed so long ago and far away.” Yet her return to writing produced work that captivated readers worldwide.

Find Or Build Your Support Community

No woman achieves greatness in isolation. Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who champion your ambitions is essential. This might mean seeking out networking groups specifically for women in their post-menopausal years, finding mentors who have walked similar paths, or even creating your own community.

Ranjna Patel, who won New Zealand Innovator of the Year 2021 in her 60s, understood the power of community when she co-founded Tamaki Healthcare and established the first Gandhi Nivas home for the rehabilitation of men who were perpetrators of domestic violence. Her work demonstrates how women can create communities that transform society.

Overcoming Common Midlife Barriers

Recognizing And Challenging Internalized Ageism

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to post-menopausal success is our own internalized beliefs about aging. We’ve absorbed countless subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages about women’s “expiration dates.” Dismantling these beliefs requires conscious effort.

When Janet McGlaughlin approached her 60th birthday, she briefly considered stepping back from her business “mainly because that’s what people of her age tend to do.” Upon reflection, she realized her passion remained unchanged and asked, “Why stop doing what she loves?” This questioning of societal expectations is essential for women who wish to thrive after menopause.

Seeing Technology As An Opportunity, Not an Obstacle

In today’s world, technological fluency is essential for most ventures. Rather than viewing technology as an obstacle, see it as an opportunity to expand your reach and influence.

Jenny Kee at 74 and Roxanne Gould in her 60s have both built substantial Instagram followings, using social media to showcase their work and challenge ageist stereotypes. Their success shows that technological platforms are not just for the young but can be powerful tools for women of all ages.

Optimizing Your Energy Through Tailored Self-Care

The post-menopausal body has different needs, but with appropriate self-care, many women find they have abundant energy for their passions and projects. Rather than fighting against natural changes, develop a personalized approach to nutrition, exercise, and rest that honors your body’s current needs.

Prioritize protein and nutrient-dense foods that support muscle maintenance
Find movement that brings you joy rather than punishment
Consider how sleep patterns may have changed and adjust accordingly
Try mind-body practices like meditation that enhance mental clarity

Dame Judi Dench continues to take on demanding acting roles well into her 80s, demonstrating how women can maintain high-energy pursuits throughout their lives. Her approach isn’t about trying to be younger but rather about nourishing her well-being to support her creative work.

Your Greatest Success Is Still Ahead – Start Now

The stories of Janet McGlaughlin, Oprah Winfrey, Ita Buttrose, Helen Clark, Dame Judi Dench, Jenny Kee, and Roxanne Gould prove that a woman’s most significant achievements can come after menopause. Far from marking an end to productivity and influence, the post-menopausal years can unleash unprecedented creativity, leadership, and impact.

As Janet McGlaughlin eloquently put it, “If I can do it, why not you?” The question isn’t whether you have more to contribute—the evidence overwhelmingly shows that you do. The question is: What will your post-menopausal success story be?

I would never suggest that you need to build a million-dollar business or win an Oscar in order to make the most of your “golden years.” If such goals appeal to you, go for them! But my desire for you is that you will see these years as a wondrous time when you can do what you’ve always wanted to do. Travel where you’ve always wanted to travel. And become the person you’ve always wanted to be.

Frankly, your greatest joy may be your grandchildren. Or your great grandchildren. If so, include them in your plans. Whatever the dream is that fuels your strength and energy, be as healthy and active as you can be. And enjoy the world around you in all the ways that rejoice your soul!

***

Here are links to the blogs I have posted on the subject of Menopause:

“Stepping into Your Best Years: A Guide to Dancing Through Menopause” – a blog introducing my book, Dancing Through Menopause: Tame Hot Flashes, Boost Emotional Wellness, Achieve Weight Loss Goals, and Soar Naturally and Confidently into Your Best Years

“How Women Can Encourage Their Husbands to Talk about Menopause” – A husband can be his wife’s strongest support during menopause, but he may be hesitant to talk about this sensitive subject.

“How Joan Navigated Mood Swings During Menopause” – Walk with Joan as she discovers how to alleviate the mood swings that were turning her into someone she didn’t even recognize.”

“The Emotional Benefits of Journaling in Menopause” – Journaling has some surprising benefits that will help you journey through this phase of life with confidence and peace.

“How Exercise Programs Can Alter Mood Dynamics During Menopause” – a blog describing the powerful benefits of exercise during menopause

“Expert Interview: Dr. Smith on Emotional Resilience During Menopause” – wisdom from an expert on managing rollercoaster emotions during menopause

“Women Who Soared after Menopause: You Can Too” – this blog