The world is extraordinarily ageist. Even more so I have to say for women.
Because so much of our perceived worth is based on how we look and our ability to procreate, as females we’re already over the hill by our late 30’s/ early 40’s.
Back in the 1800’s, you were pretty much an old maid if you weren’t married by the age of 21.
So what chance do we have if we’re trying to reinvent our lives at 60+?
Unfortunately, both sexes suffer from being devalued as we age.
Seen as decrepit, out of touch, slow, & of minimal value to society, we’re gradually sidelined, creating space for our younger, hungrier counterparts to take center stage.
And good luck to them. They’ve got it all to come. 😉
Meanwhile, while no one is looking, us Gen X & Baby Boomers can quietly build incredible lives, travelling the world and sucking the juice out of our golden years.
Instead of bucking against the system and demanding people take notice, we should rather embrace our newfound irrelevance & go and do what the hell we want to!
We’ve contributed, had kids, paid taxes, played by the rules. Now we’re not as needed anymore, screw it! Let’s go enjoy ourselves!
Unfortunately our friends & family may not completely support our goals, we might be worried about finances, have health issues, and societal beliefs and opinions sure have a way of obstructing our dreams.
But in reality the only thing actually holding us back from living life the way we want to isn’t other people’s opinions, money, time or even health. It’s our own mindset.
So let’s blast some myths out the way & get on with how to fund a fantastic lifestyle for as long as you want & create the golden years of your dreams!
Becoming a Nomadic Solopreneur in Your 60’s & Beyond: Myth vs. Reality
Myth 1: You’re too old to start a business or travel the world.
Reality: Age is just a number.
Many successful entrepreneurs started their businesses later in life, bringing a wealth of experience and wisdom to their ventures. Similarly, plenty of older adults embark on nomadic adventures, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of travel.
For example, Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, started his famous franchise at the age of 62. Ray Kroc, the man behind the global expansion of McDonald’s, was 52 when he bought the company from the McDonald brothers. Julia Child, the renowned chef and cookbook author, didn’t start her culinary career until she was in her 50s.
In terms of travel, a study by Enterprise Apps shows that 15% of digital nomads just from the US are 60+. That doesn’t include stats from the rest of the world. And a further 27% are 45 – 60!
There are also specific travel organisations, such as Road Scholar, that offer educational travel programs specifically designed for older adults, with participants in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s joining tours and learning experiences around the world.
More examples of individuals who started or achieved significant milestones after the age of 60
- Laura Ingalls Wilder: Began writing the “Little House on the Prairie” series in her 60s, which became beloved classics and a successful television series.
- Anna Mary Robertson Moses (Grandma Moses): Started painting in her late 70s and became a renowned American folk artist, with her works displayed in museums worldwide.
- Jeanne Socrates: Became the oldest woman to sail solo non-stop around the world at the age of 77.
- Harry Bernstein: Published his first book, “The Invisible Wall”, at the age of 96, after a lifetime of writing without recognition.
- Fauja Singh: Became the first 100-year-old to finish a marathon, inspiring people worldwide with his dedication to running and fitness.
- Yuichiro Miura: Became the oldest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest at age 80.
- Gladys Burrill: Known as the “Gladyator”, she became the oldest woman to complete a marathon at the age of 92.
- Peter Mark Roget: Began working on the “Roget’s Thesaurus” in his 60s, and it was first published when he was 73. The thesaurus continues to be widely used today.
- Toni Morrison: Although she had been a writer for much of her life, she won the Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 62, highlighting a significant late-career achievement.
- Rosie Swale-Pope: At the age of 57, she began a five-year run around the world, covering 20,000 miles to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Her journey took her through some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
- Frank McCourt: Published his first book, “Angela’s Ashes”, at age 66. The memoir won the Pulitzer Prize and became a bestseller.
- Günther Holtorf: After retiring, Günther embarked on a 26-year road trip in his Mercedes G-Wagen named “Otto”, visiting 215 countries and covering over 550,000 miles.
- Minoru Saito: Completed his eighth solo circumnavigation of the globe at the age of 77, making him one of the oldest sailors to achieve such a feat.
- Valerie Taylor: Renowned for her underwater cinematography and shark research, Valerie continued diving and contributing to marine conservation well into her 80s.
Clearly from these examples, we can see that age is not a barrier to doing whatever it is you want to do with this one wild and precious life of yours! (paraphrased from Mary Oliver’s poem – The Summer Day)
Myth 2: You need to be a tech expert to build an online business.
Reality: While having some technical skills is beneficial, the internet has evolved to offer a wide array of user-friendly tools and platforms that make it easier than ever to start and manage an online business.
Many website builders, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools have been cleverly designed over the years with simplicity in mind. This means that even those of us with limited technical expertise can create professional-looking websites, graphics, lead generation funnels and more.
Add artificial intelligence (AI) to the mix and you have a revolutionised online business landscape in the coming years!
AI-powered tools and platforms will streamline and automate so many aspects of running an online business, from content creation to customer service, making it even more accessible to solopreneurs of all skill levels (and ages)!
Myth 3: Nomadic life is lonely and isolating.
Reality: While it’s true that nomadic life can present challenges when it comes to maintaining social connections, it also offers numerous opportunities to meet new people, form meaningful relationships, and become part of a thriving global community.
One of the challenges of working online while travelling is the potential for isolation, as you may not have the traditional office environment and co-worker interactions, plus you’re away from extended family and friends.
However, the rise of co-working spaces and nomad hubs around the world has created welcoming environments where people of all ages can work, collaborate, and socialise. These spaces often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities that cater to the needs and interests of the nomadic community, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals.
Websites and apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing, and Facebook Groups also make it possible to connect with locals and other nomads in your area, whether you’re interested in exploring the local culture, attending events, or simply making new friends. Many cities also have expat communities that welcome newcomers and organise regular social gatherings.
In fact, travelling the world, going on group tours, and seeking out specific nomad led events can mean that you’re less isolated than you might be in your own home town. Nomads and frequent travellers love to share their experiences, usually with anyone who’ll listen!
Even the most introverted nomads are more open to meeting people and turning strangers to friends on the road.
The key is to be proactive in seeking out social opportunities. Maintain open communication with your loved ones, and embrace the chance to create a diverse and supportive network of friends and colleagues around the world.
Myth 4: You need a lot of money to start a business and travel.
Reality: While having some savings is essential, the key to making nomadic entrepreneurship work is to have a clear understanding of your monthly expenses and to build a business or side hustle that generates enough income to support your lifestyle.
The chances are you’re going to need a lot less than you think to live comfortably while travelling.
The key is to create a realistic budget that accounts for your essential day to day needs, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare, while also factoring in some discretionary spending for what Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) calls ‘doodads’ (luxury, leisure, etc).
Once you have a clear picture of your monthly expenses, you can focus on developing a business model or side hustle that funds your lifestyle.
Here’s a budget sheet to get you started;
If you don’t know what things will cost, jump into some nomad groups and start asking! There are over 35 million nomads in the world. There’ll be plenty who will be happy to answer your questions.
In addition to generating income, there are many ways to keep costs low while building your business and travelling. Choosing affordable destinations, particularly in countries with lower costs of living, can help stretch your funds further. Budget accommodation, such as hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, can also provide significant savings compared to hotels.
Another cost-effective way to travel is by house sitting or volunteering in exchange for accommodation. Websites like TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, and Workaway.info (not .com) connect travellers with homeowners and organisations in need of house sitters, pet sitters, or volunteers.
Budget travel options, such as cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and seeking out free or low-cost activities, can also help you keep expenses down while still enjoying the benefits of a nomadic lifestyle.