Midlife can often bring a sense of routine—or even stagnation. But for many women, it’s also the perfect time to rediscover a sense of purpose, identity, and joy. Whether it’s picking up a musical instrument, learning a new language, or diving into a completely unfamiliar world, embracing education later in life can be deeply fulfilling. Here, four inspiring women share how studying something new helped clear their minds, boost their confidence, and even reshape their careers.
“I learnt a Berber language and found a second home” – Helen Colley, 65
Helen Colley, from Manchester, first fell in love with Morocco’s Dades Valley back in 2000. Drawn by its striking mountain views and warm community, she and her husband returned often, eventually restoring a house in the village of Ait Oudinar.
While the local men spoke French, Helen quickly realised that most women only conversed in Tachelhit, a Berber language. “I felt frustrated not being able to chat with them,” she recalls.
So Helen began learning the language from scratch—asking local children to name animals, studying a grammar book she found in Marrakech, and taking daily lessons with a local chef and his sister. “It was tough. Tachelhit has guttural sounds and tricky pronunciation,” she says.
But the effort paid off. “I could finally follow conversations, join in with jokes, and build proper friendships. Speaking their language helped me feel truly part of the community.” Helen now even helps with the website for a boutique hotel opened by local friends.
“I studied wine – and it led to a dream job” – Patricia Dearlove, 60
Patricia Dearlove, based in St Leonards, East Sussex, has always enjoyed a good glass of wine—particularly when paired with great conversation. But it wasn’t until midlife that her passion took a professional turn.
A former English teacher and single mum, Patricia initially pursued wine studies for fun, taking a Wine & Spirit Education Trust course and later founding a local tasting club. During lockdown, she deepened her knowledge through online courses with the Wine Scholar Guild.
“My enthusiasm must have been obvious,” she laughs. One of her tutors encouraged her to apply for a role at Gusbourne vineyard in Kent. Now, she works as a wine educator and tour host.
“I never imagined my hobby would lead to a second career,” she says. “Studying again has really cleared the brain fog. It’s given me new confidence and shown me I’ve still got so much to offer.”
“Swimming helped me overcome fear—and start a business” – Minreet Kaur, 43
Minreet Kaur, a journalist from Hillingdon, West London, never enjoyed swimming as a child. “I was self-conscious and scared to put my face in the water,” she says. But hitting 40 gave her the motivation to try again.
With her mum’s encouragement, Minreet booked lessons and soon gained enough confidence to swim five miles for a charity challenge. Then, she discovered open-water swimming. “It was terrifying at first, but the euphoria I felt afterwards was incredible,” she says.
So inspired was Minreet that she trained as a swimming teacher—and has now set up a swim school specifically for Asian women. “It’s not just about swimming,” she explains. “It’s about giving women space to feel confident, to talk, and to grow. I’m proud to help others overcome the same barriers I once faced.”
“I finally learnt the cello—30 years after I first tried” – Vicki Strange, 51
Vicki Strange, a mother of three from Lewes, East Sussex, always dreamed of playing the cello. She got one as a teenager, but life quickly got in the way. The instrument followed her through every house move, unplayed for three decades.
In her late 40s, juggling a full-time job and parenting, she decided it was time to do something just for herself. With the help of a supportive teacher, she picked up the cello again.
“It’s not easy,” Vicki admits. “But playing demands my full attention—it’s my version of mindfulness.” More than a musical pursuit, learning the cello has deepened her empathy for others who struggle to learn. “It’s humbling, and it reminds me I can still grow and try new things.”
Ready to Learn Something New?
Whether it’s languages, swimming, wine, or music, the message is clear: it’s never too late to start. Learning something new in midlife isn’t just enriching—it’s a way of reconnecting with your curiosity, your confidence, and your sense of self.
So what’s stopping you?
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