It’s Never Too Late to Be Wild
At Sage Collective®, we believe vibrant living means saying yes to joy, expression, and adventure—at any age. But somewhere along the way, society decided that getting older means getting quieter. We’re told to tame our style, temper our opinions, and settle into sensible routines. But here’s the truth: there’s no expiration date on boldness. It’s never too late to be wild. As part of our ongoing series, “It’s Never Too Late,” let’s dive in.
Redefining “Wild” as We Age
We often equate “being wild” with youthful rebellion—partying until dawn, pushing boundaries just to prove we can. But wildness in our later years looks different, and perhaps even more powerful. It’s about freedom, self-expression, and doing what feels true, regardless of what anyone else expects.
For older African Americans, “wild” can mean reclaiming space in a society that has too often asked us to shrink. It can mean dying your hair pink, learning to roller skate, booking a solo trip, joining a protest, or finally wearing what makes you feel seen. It can also mean saying no to what no longer serves you and yes to your creative impulses, your spiritual hunger, your unfiltered truth.
Unlearning Society’s Timelines
For years, many of us have internalized the message that aging means slowing down, calming down, settling down. But what if aging was actually our “green light” to rise up?
Yes, aging can come with grief and change. But it also comes with clarity, confidence, and a sharper sense of what matters. It’s the perfect time to shake off old expectations—whether they came from your family, your job, or society at large—and ask: What do I want now?
Being wild doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being free.
Real-Life Rebels: Bold Black Women Who Broke the Mold
Take Betty Reid Soskin, for example. She became a National Park Service ranger at age 85, the oldest active ranger in the U.S. She didn’t retire quietly—she took a bold new role in her community, educating others about racial justice, history, and the power of telling our own stories.
Or Toni Morrison, who published her last novel at age 84 and spent her life writing about liberation, complexity, and unapologetic Black womanhood. She was a literary rebel until the very end, reminding us that storytelling itself is an act of wild resistance.
Then there’s your neighbor, your auntie, your church elder—the everyday women who start painting at 70, launch a podcast at 80, or join a social justice group at 90. Wildness is not a rarity—it’s a choice, and it’s happening all around us.
How to Reignite Your Wild Spirit
If you’re feeling the itch to color outside the lines, start with these small but mighty steps:
- Wear something that makes you feel powerful, not just appropriate.
- Take a dance class, or dance in your kitchen.
- Say what’s on your mind—even if it ruffles feathers.
- Try a new art form.
- Join a local movement, rally, or cause that moves you.
- Reclaim your time—spend it how you want, not how others expect.
Final Thoughts: This Is Your Time
Aging doesn’t mean dimming your light. It means you know where to shine it.
At Sage Collective®, we celebrate boldness in all its forms. Whether you’re reclaiming your voice, exploring new passions, or just giving yourself permission to be more you, remember: it’s never too late to be wild. Let your later years be full of risk, color, creativity, and unapologetic truth.
So, what would it mean to live a little louder right now?
