The Growth Mindset: staying curious & relevant at any age

Staying relevant doesn’t mean keeping up with TikTok dances, unless you want to, of course!

When it comes to entrepreneurship, the biggest myth we have to bust is that later life means slowing down, losing curiosity, or being resistant to change. For too long, society has painted over-60s as technophobes, rigid in their habits, and unable (or unwilling) to adapt. Research and lived experience tell a very different story.

Far from lagging behind, later life entrepreneurs are leading the charge. We’re not just keeping up with the pace of change; we’re setting it. We’re the disruptors, the innovators, the inventors of new business models and movements that are reshaping industries.

Our ability to pivot as markets shift is a classic example. Reinvention is the watchword for later life entrepreneurs.

Why Lifelong Learning is the Real Power Move

The truth is: learning is not age-bound, it’s mindset-bound. Embracing a growth mindset means refusing to let fear of change stop you from experimenting, evolving, and creating. Whether that’s learning a new skill, testing a different marketing approach, or launching an entirely new venture, it’s the curiosity muscle that keeps us fit for entrepreneurship.

Here’s the radical insight: reinvention is the secret sauce of successful entrepreneurs. From pivoting careers in midlife to launching bold new ventures in later life, reinvention is where opportunity and confidence collide.

Busting the Myths

• “Older people don’t want to learn.” False. From coding to climate tech, older founders are enrolling in courses, devouring podcasts, and staying ahead of the curve.

• “Brains slow down after 60.” Not universally true. Cognitive research shows creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking can actually strengthen with age.

• “Older entrepreneurs resist change.” Quite the opposite, many are the ones driving it, precisely because they know the cost of standing still.

Practical Ways to Stay Inspired and Fresh

• Courses: Explore platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn, or Masterclass to build new knowledge without leaving your desk.

• Podcasts: Try The Diary of a CEO, How I Built This, or The Long View for fresh ideas and perspectives.

• Books: Add The Future is Faster Than You Think (Diamandis & Kotler) or Late Bloomers (Rich Karlgaard) to your reading list.

Remember: the act of learning itself keeps you open, agile, and curious, all qualities that every entrepreneur, at any age, needs in their toolkit.

Leading the Change

Later life entrepreneurs are not anomalies; we are the new normal. Our stories show the reality that doesn’t get told enough: innovation doesn’t have an expiry date. By challenging the lazy stereotypes and sharing our successes, we create space for more women and men to step up, reinvent, and lead.

Because staying relevant isn’t about staying young, it’s about staying curious, and that’s something we can all keep doing, every day.