Entrepreneur Julia Neuen from Peaches recently summed it up perfectly. In a LinkedIn post, she asked: At what age are we women al dente? In our 20s, we’re too young; in our 30s, we’re having kids; and from 40 onwards, public perception goes downhill. And let’s not even talk about 50, 60, or older.
All nonsense. Reality looks different: At 50, women start companies, run marathons, or learn to surf. At 70, they attend tech festivals or start podcasts. Age is no longer the excuse it once was – but the stereotypes persist stubbornly.
The problem with numbers
We talk about age as if it’s a fixed measurement that determines everything – but it’s just a number. Much more important: health, energy, curiosity. And yes, privilege also plays a role: those who are healthy and have resources can stay active longer. But that’s exactly why we need a new narrative that doesn’t pull the blinds down at 40.
The invisible barrier
In the working world, age discrimination is still standard – especially for women. From the mid-40s onwards, the chances of getting hired drop drastically. The paradox: exactly at this age, many have the most experience, the best resilience, and often more drive than at 25. And yet: “Overqualified,” “too expensive,” “not flexible enough” – the standard excuses are as old as the system itself.
Time for an update
The “new generation old” (45–65+) doesn’t see itself as a model on the way out. They crave change, continued learning, and fresh starts. Studies show: people who set new goals later in life are happier, healthier – and live longer. Psychologists call it “future orientation” – we call it common sense.
Three myths we should bury
“At 50 it’s too late.”
Too late – for what exactly? A new career? A new love? A new sport?
Ever learned to surf at 50?
Fallen in love again at 54?
Started your own business at 59?
💥 “Too late” is an excuse. Not ours.
“Older people don’t understand technology.”
Ever watched a 60-year-old on a Zoom call? She moderates, chats, shares her screen – and at the same time keeps the team spirit alive.
We’ve been learning new technology our whole lives.
Of course we can handle AI.
We just don’t talk about it all the time.
🧠 Lifelong learning? We’ve got that.
“Old means boring.”
Only if you were born boring.
Intensity has no minimum age and no expiration date. It happens when we steer our lives consciously instead of running on “autopilot” – whether we’re 25, 45, or 75.
The hunger for experience doesn’t shrink – it becomes clearer.
🎉 Curiosity doesn’t retire. And neither do we.
Our plea
Age is not the problem – it’s the excuse. Instead of thinking in decades, we should think in projects, plans, and adventures. Because honestly: the future is not shaped by those shouting “too old” the loudest, but by those who simply start.
By the way: I just turned 60 myself and my energy level is THROUGH THE ROOF! 🔥💪
Age in numbers
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Life expectancy: Women in the EU live an average of 83 years, men 78 years (Eurostat 2023).
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Labor market: According to the OECD, the employment rate of women aged 55–64 in Germany is around 64% – and rising.
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Age discrimination: 1 in 3 employees in Europe report having been discriminated against due to age at least once, according to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.
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Female founders 50+: In Germany, almost 1 in 5 female founders is over 50 (KfW Start-up Monitor 2023).
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Health: WHO studies show that physical activity after 50 not only reduces cardiovascular disease but also lowers the risk of depression by up to 30%.
