We were lucky to catch up with Jean Ketcham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is to help women age with Fun, Spirit and Style.To feel good about themselves as they get oder. It’s important to me because I see too many women get hung up on that age number. That number is just not important. I want to help change the way we look at women aging

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Jean Ketcham, the 85-year-old co-founder of Aging But Dangerous, a movement and mindset that flips the script on what it means to grow older—especially for women. We started ABD in 2008. We didn’t set out to start a revolution, but after leaving the corporate world, we realized how little space existed for women to talk openly, laugh loudly, and live boldly as they aged. So, we created one.

Aging But Dangerous began as a small gathering of women craving real conversations about life beyond 50—everything from confidence and health to vibrators and incontinence. It’s grown into a vibrant community of over 200,000 women worldwide who are ditching stereotypes and embracing the full spectrum of aging with humor, adventure, and authenticity.

Through my book, speaking engagements, and lifestyle content, I create space for women to feel seen, heard, and celebrated—wrinkles, wisdom, and all. I speak at corporate events, women’s groups, retreats, and conferences, covering topics like self-image, taking risks later in life, and breaking down aging taboos. I help people and organizations reframe aging not as a decline, but as an opportunity to tap into new levels of confidence, connection, and vitality.

What sets me apart is that I live what I teach. I don’t sugarcoat aging—but I don’t let it limit me either. I believe in bold lipstick, big laughs, and bigger truths. I say what others are too afraid to say—and I do it with heart, humor, and a whole lot of energy.

What I’m most proud of is the impact this movement has had. Women constantly tell me they feel braver, freer, and more themselves after hearing me speak or joining the Aging But Dangerous community. That’s what gives me joy.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: aging is not something to hide from. It’s something to own. Loudly. Proudly. And maybe even in leather pants and cowboy boots!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I owned my clothing boutique I had an opportunity to travel the world to buy one-of-a-kind items. It was my dream, but I knew I had to honor my family (my daughter was 12 at the time) and chose to follow the path I was on.

I can share more details when we talk live.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite—and wildest—marketing stories was when I decided to create a tastefully nude calendar featuring real women from the Aging But Dangerous community. Yes, nude. Yes, over 50. And yes, absolutely fabulous.

People thought I was nuts. Who was going to pose? Who was going to buy it? And how was I going to fund something so bold and taboo?

But I knew in my gut this calendar was more than just cheeky photos. It was a statement. A celebration. A disruption. So I went all in.

I gathered a group of brave, beautiful women from our community who were ready to bare it all—literally and emotionally. These weren’t models. These were teachers, grandmothers, executives, cancer survivors. And they were radiant.

Now came the big hurdle: money. I needed $8,000 to bring the calendar to life—photographers, printing, production—and I didn’t have it.

Slowly but surely, the funds came together. My photographer, Annie of Annie Marie Photography, offered to do it for free. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. When we finally released the calendar, it sold like crazy. The media picked it up. Women started reaching out saying, “I’ve never felt so seen. So empowered.” It touched the lives of girls at the age of 15 and women up to 90. Even men understood the message of the Calendar that it was not about the body but about the attitude! These women showed their bodies (lumps, bumps and all) but it was “Look at me, I may be getting older and my body has changed but I am out there and I am feeling good about myself”! It was a great moment for everyone.

That calendar wasn’t just a product. It was a movement in motion. And it reminded me of something I still live by today: if your idea makes people nervous and excited at the same time, you’re probably onto something powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.agingbutdangerous.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanwithagingbutdangerous
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agingbutdangerous
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agingbutdangerousjean/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAYRFC0wclnuoFYjz_Jn3kQ
• Other: GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/bc4663ed
  Substack/Newsletter: https://agingbutdangerous.substack.com/

Image Credits

Annie Marie Photography