Stephen R. Covey and his daughter Cynthia Covey Haller introduced a powerful concept in their book Live Life in Crescendo: the idea that your most important work is always ahead of you. This philosophy is at the heart of the Academy of Life Planning’s GAME Plan approach—Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution—to help individuals make their next chapter the best yet.
Too often, we hear that life slows down after a certain age. But the truth is, midlife and beyond can be some of the most exciting, fulfilling, and purpose-driven years. Across the UK, thousands of people are proving just that by pursuing new passions, changing careers, and engaging in lifelong learning.
The Rise of the Midlife Student
From Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, take Ursula Kenny, for example. At 66, she took the plunge and enrolled in an Open University degree in social sciences, fulfilling a long-held dream. Despite initial doubts—wondering if she’d fit in with younger students—she found herself completely absorbed in learning. Her studies not only gave her a renewed sense of purpose but also deepened her engagement with the world. Now, she’s considering a Master’s degree and even a language GCSE!
She’s not alone. A growing number of over-50s are heading to university, seeking personal growth, career changes, or simply the joy of learning. In the past decade, the number of UK students aged over 50 has risen by 35%. In 2024 alone, 20,425 people over 50 were enrolled in higher education.
Redefining Purpose in Later Life
Education isn’t the only way people are reinventing themselves. Phil Hadgraft, a former electrical engineer, completely changed direction after the loss of his wife. Realising his job no longer fulfilled him, he trained as a counsellor in his late 50s, eventually earning a foundation degree in counselling at 61. Now, as a trauma-informed practitioner, he helps others through difficult times, feeling more valued than ever before.
Similarly, Peter Donde, at 68, embarked on a PhD in sustainable housing to improve living conditions in Kenya’s slums. Despite the significant financial commitment—self-funding his studies with £200,000 of savings—his passion for making a difference keeps him motivated.
The GAME Plan: Your Roadmap to a Meaningful Future
These inspiring stories illustrate the essence of living life in crescendo—continuously growing, contributing, and embracing new challenges. But taking the first step can be daunting. That’s where the GAME Plan comes in:
- Goals – Define what you want to achieve in your next chapter.
- Actions – Outline the steps needed to move towards your goals.
- Means – Identify the resources, support, and knowledge required.
- Execution – Put your plan into motion, adapting as you go.
At the Academy of Life Planning, we help individuals create a roadmap for their future—whether that means further education, a new career, or a meaningful project. We believe that everyone, at any stage of life, has the power to reinvent themselves and make an impact.
Embrace the Next Chapter
If you’ve ever thought, Is this all there is?—the answer is a resounding no. Whether you want to return to education, start a new business, or find a career with real purpose, the opportunity is there. The best years of your life aren’t behind you—they’re still to come.
Ready to start your next chapter? Let’s make it happen together.
Academy of Life Planning 