Breaking free from age limits: These women are living life without timelines

Lim Kai Ning, 29, Co-founder, The Courage Chapter

Credit: Her World

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Kai Ning started The Courage Chapter with co-founder Jesslyn Yim in 2023 to pioneer new employment models that tap into the skills and experience of mature professionals. More than just a recruitment company, The Courage Chapter aims to change the narrative around ageing in our workplace. 

“Freedom from age means living as your authentic self and having the courage to hit ‘reset’ at any stage of life. It’s about being unafraid to be the youngest or oldest in the room.

When I first co-founded The Courage Chapter in my late 20s, I felt paradoxically too old and too young to start a business. Too old because I was stepping off the corporate ladder. Too young because I still saw myself as inexperienced. But over time, I’ve come to realise: there’s no perfect age to pursue your dreams — only a willingness to figure things out along the way.

I’m quite petite, so I often look younger than I am. In corporate settings, this has sometimes worked against me. I’ve been overlooked or dismissed in meetings, especially early in my career.

Now, I’ve learned to take it in my stride. Appearance may be the first thing people notice, but it doesn’t have to be the last. I’ve found that asking thoughtful questions and engaging on a range of topics shifts the focus from how I look to how I think. And over time, consistent work builds the kind of credibility that speaks for itself.

Society often stops noticing women as they grow older — at least, not in the same way they were noticed before. While that may be human nature, I still hope we can collectively appreciate the story behind every face.

Through The Courage Chapter, I’ve had the privilege of working with many older individuals — and I’ve noticed how content many of them are in their 50s and 60s. Free from major financial pressures, many have the time to travel, explore passions, or simply be. One of the quiet gifts of ageing is the ability to slow down and savour the present — whether it’s a long coffee chat or a moment of meaningful connection.

So take that small step towards what lights you up. Momentum builds with each step. And the beauty is, the destination matters far less when you’re enjoying the journey.”

Zoe Zora, 28, Inclusive Employment Recruiter at Inclus

Credit: Her World

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Zoe was left paralysed from her neck down after a tragic car accident when she was 20 years old. Faced with her new reality, Zoe emerged stronger, and now, she helps empower others with disabilities. At social enterprise Inclus, she works with employers to assist adults with disabilities in gaining employment and shattering stereotypes through inclusivity workshops. 

“Ageing is a privilege.

Many of us fear losing our freedom as we grow older, but I lost mine at 20, after a car accident changed everything. That experience taught me something profound: not everyone gets the chance to grow old.

During my hospital stay and recovery, I felt like time had been stolen from me. I pressured myself to make up for the “lost years.” But eventually, I realised that life isn’t a race. It’s not about how fast you move, but how present you are.

That mindset has shaped the way I live and work. I’ve learned to honour my own pace, to let growth unfold naturally. With each year I continue living with my disability, I feel more grounded, more grateful, and more in love with life.

There was a time when I was consumed by perfection — by how I looked and how I was perceived. After my injury, I broke my neck and lost function below that point. My face felt like the only part of me that remained unchanged. I clung to it, because it was all that still looked “familiar.”

On social media, I noticed the lack of authentic representation for people with disabilities. I wanted to show up differently — to move away from curated highlight reels and instead share honestly, in the hope that others would feel seen, too. Vulnerability is how we challenge perceptions. By showing up as I am — flaws and all — I want people to know that confidence and beauty don’t have an expiration date.

In our society, older women are often undervalued, as though there’s a deadline for everything while youth is idealised. I want that narrative to change. We should celebrate wisdom, experience, and emotional depth just as much as we do youthful energy.

There is strength in youth — but there’s also immense power in ageing. Getting older has given me a clearer voice, a deeper understanding of who I am, and the confidence to stand in my truth. I care far less about external validation, and far more about living meaningfully.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I see a face shaped by resilience, survival, and growth. The changes I notice aren’t things I fear — they’re reminders of everything I’ve lived through.

‘Freedom from age’ means letting go of the pressure to reach milestones by a certain time. It’s about embracing where I am — not where I “should” be — and releasing the need to compare myself to societal timelines.

Your age is not a deadline. It’s just a chapter. And every chapter holds its own beauty, meaning, and growth.”

Oniatta Effendi, 51, Founder of Baju by Oniatta and Galeri Tokokita

Credit: Her World

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Oniatta’s passion for batik was sparked during her many travels to various parts of Indonesia. Over the years, the educator-turned-entrepreneur has amassed countless pieces. Now, she works with skilled artisans to spotlight traditional textile art and the incredible amount of love, care, and hard work behind every piece of batik design.

“I see ageing as an unfolding, not a loss.

With time, I’ve shed things I no longer need: the need to prove, the fear of being misunderstood and the impulse to please. What remains is more grounded, more solid. I no longer rush to arrive. I’ve learned to sit with the moment — even the uncomfortable ones — and there’s strength in that stillness.

I used to look in the mirror and fixate on what needed “improving.” Now, I see stories. Lines formed from years of laughter, survival, grief, and love. I’m learning to hold my face with more kindness. I no longer chase youth; I celebrate presence — and there’s a quiet beauty in that.

In my work, I often challenge traditional ideas of style and who gets to wear what. People have assumed batik is only for the older generation, but I’ve proven otherwise with every collection.

I started my business later than most would dare to, and have since grown into new roles: educator, cultural entrepreneur, lifelong student — of batik, of business, of the many lives textiles touch. Embracing freedom from age means not waiting for permission to evolve.

My mother taught me that. She’s sharp, stylish, funny, and completely unbothered. When she had a stroke at 48, I was just 16. I watched her fight, quite literally, to stand again. That moment redefined everything I thought I understood about age and health.

It taught me that life can shift in an instant and that resilience isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet and stubborn and full of grace. Now, as her caregiver, I see ageing through fresh eyes. Yes, there’s vulnerability, but also enduring strength.

Society and social media subtly pressures us to look or behave a certain way. Older women are often seen as invisible or irrelevant, instead of curious, daring, or sensual. I’d love to see them portrayed as multi-dimensional — still discovering, still dreaming, still desiring.

It’s easy to get caught in the performance of perfection online, but I choose to show up as I am — no filters, no false fronts. I’d rather be seen as real than be perceived as young.

Some of the best gifts of getting older are clarity, courage, and saying “no” without guilt. You begin to trust your intuition more. You stop apologising for taking up space.

Because age doesn’t restrict you — your fear of being seen does. Let that go. You’re not too old.

 You’re just getting started.”