You might be a late bloomer

Morgan Freeman was in his early 50s when he finally landed his breakout roles. Copernicus came up with his revolutionary theory of planetary motion in his 60s. Late bloomers are all around us—throughout history, in pop culture, at the helm of business empires—and their seemingly delayed moment of success is a persistent source of fascination.

Older age is often associated with a lull, but the experience of aging doesn’t have to feel inherently limiting. At Stanford University, a program for older adults, mostly in their 50s and 60s, helps them figure out what they want to do post-retirement. Even without the assistance of a cohort and a curriculum, people find their personalities keep shifting, and older populations remain curious and conscientious about how they are spending their lives. “We have a notion that the happiest people are those who have aimed their life toward some goal and then attained it, like winning a championship trophy or achieving renown,” David Brooks writes. “But the best moments of life can be found within the lifelong learning or quest itself.”

Today’s newsletter brings you stories about later-in-life breakthroughs and changes:

• “You Might Be a Late Bloomer,” by David Brooks. The life secrets of those who flailed early but succeeded by old age.

• “The Curious Personality Changes of Older Age,” by Faith Hill. When people lose the ability to control their circumstances, their selves sometimes evolve instead.

• “How Middle-School Failures Lead to Medical-School Success,” by Jessica Lahey and Tim Lahey. Parents who insulate their children from disappointment may rob them of the chance to develop self-esteem—and a good bedside manner. (From 2013)

• “The New Old Age,” by David Brooks. What a new life stage can teach the rest of us about how to find meaning and purpose—before it’s too late.

• “How to Be Happy Growing Older,” by Arthur C. Brooks. Your future will probably be better than your past.

— Stephanie Bai, associate editor