In 2014, after 30 years of retirement, Dorothy Steel moved back to Atlanta from the Caribbean to be closer to her son and grandson. She was 88 at the time and out of boredom decided to take up acting at the local theatre as a hobby. Five years later at the age of 92, she starred in one of Marvels highest grossing films: Black Panther. Before her death in 2021 at age 95, Dorothy had graced the screens 13 times, 4 of those appearances were in blockbusters.
When Dorothy took up theatre she had no acting experience and no intention of starting a new career at her age. She probably thought- like many people do- that it was too late to become an actress professionally. Still she learned the skill of acting and expressed it to the best of her ability. In late 2016 she was presented with the opportunity to audition for the role of a tribe elder in black panther but she refused. Though the role called for an elderly actor, Dorothy’s main excuse was “There is no way I’m going to be in no comic strip at my age.”
It was her grandson who convinced her to audition and as soon as she did she got the role. The casting director believed Dorothy was prime( best possible quality of excellence in a given moment all factors considered) for that role.
When it feels like your prime has passed
Everybody-whether young or old-experiences a creeping sense that their best years are behind them. The idea of a “prime” in life has long been misunderstood. It provokes images of youth, peak energy, and society’s timelines for success. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our “prime” is a finite, fleeting period. A single, glorious peak followed by an inevitable decline. But the truth is often more nuanced. It is about maximizing the best version of you right now—embracing your unique path and evolving on your timeline.
Our “prime” isn’t a static point in time. It’s a dynamic process, a series of peaks and valleys that evolve throughout our lives. Our definition of success, our passions, and our priorities – they all shift and change.
What once felt like “prime” – perhaps a demanding career, a whirlwind of social activity – may no longer resonate. This isn’t a failure, but a natural evolution.
Few stories embody this spirit better than the remarkable journey of Dorothy Steel. Her decision to pursue acting in her late 80s wasn’t marked by grand ambition but by courage. When asked about this late-career choice, she famously replied, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to do anything.” Whether it’s pursuing education, switching careers, taking up a passion, or just daring to dream again, Steel’s example shows us the immense possibilities of embracing where we are today and going forward boldly.
This shift can be unsettling, but it also presents an opportunity for profound growth.
Exercise your prime
Exercising your Prime may look like:
1. Embracing new beginnings: Explore new passions, learn new skills, and step outside your comfort zone.
2. Redefining success: What truly matters to you now? Maintaining meaningful relationships, building sustainable wealth, beginning a retirement fund, contributing to your community, or pursuing a lifelong dream.
3. Finding joy in the present: Appreciate the unique beauty of this stage in your life. Embrace the wisdom gained through experience and savor the quiet moments.
Remember, this is not an ending, but a new beginning. Embrace the evolution, and discover the vibrant possibilities that lie ahead.
It starts with a decision
There are several other success stories just like Dorothy’s. Colonel Sanders, the pioneer of global fast food chain KFC, fried his first chicken at 67 years old because he decided he couldn’t live on his social security checks alone. Anne Mary Moses popularly known as Grandma Moses was an American folk artist who began to take painting seriously when she was 78 years old. She completed 1500 paintings before she died, 450 of which she made after she turned 100 years old.
This just goes to show that just about anything can be done even when it feels too late. An old lady once asked renowned financial advisor Dave Ramsey if she was too old to start saving money. His reply was ‘not if you’re still sucking air’. Even if you have spent a great portion of your life being unintentional with your finances, making a decision to turn that around could change your life. Bravewood Prime embodies this idea. It was designed to bring flexibility and safety to investment options specifically for those whose pace defies set timelines and society’s expectations. What is that financial goal you put off too long and now seems unattainable. This is an invitation to wake up old ambitions or find new ones whichever you choose Bravewood is a ready partner to help determine your pace and your prime.
“Better late than never” is a mindset. It’s the courage to prioritize purpose over timing and to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Your prime is not behind you—it’s here, now, waiting for you to claim it.
Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
