At 80, Kathy Tarochione, founder of The Golden Life Community in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is living proof that strength has no age limit. Once told she had a year to live, Kathy transformed her pain into purpose by building a global community that empowers women to reclaim their mental resilience and self-advocacy. Through her vibrant initiative and unapologetic honesty, she inspires women everywhere to rediscover their inner “Golden Babe”—a term she lovingly uses to describe women who embrace aging with courage, humor, and grace. Her story is a celebration of perseverance, sisterhood, and the power of purpose-driven living.
Q: Kathy, your story is incredibly moving. What inspired you to start your journey with The Golden Life Community?
When I was in the hospital three years ago, I had been told I had just a year to live. While recovering, I recorded a short Facebook video for a small group of about 300 women — sharing that I might not make it but that I wanted to support them while I could. That five-minute video reached over 100,000 people and received thousands of responses from women saying they needed what I was doing. That’s when I realized my calling — to help women develop their mental strength so they can be their own advocates. I now run a virtual community called The Golden Connections, where our members — whom I call Golden Babes — support one another in rediscovering confidence and resilience at every stage of life.
Q: You’ve faced immense challenges, from serious health battles to mobility limitations. How have you found the strength to keep going?
Every day is a challenge — I’m homebound and rely on caretakers. But instead of seeing it as a limitation, I see it as an opportunity. I’ve learned to bring the world to me using technology, social media, and the power of storytelling. When you’ve been given a life sentence, you realize you have nothing to lose — so you speak the truth without fear. I’ve chosen to live unfiltered, to embrace what’s real, and to turn my obstacles into purpose. I’m not chasing money — I’m chasing meaning.
Q: Do you work alone or have a team that helps you bring this vision to life?
I have two teams — one virtual team that helps me run the community and one physical team that supports me with my day-to-day needs. Losing your physical strength can be devastating, but I’ve been blessed with incredible women who understand and support me. Many of them are Golden Babes themselves. We may be older, disabled, or homebound — but we are not invisible. Together, we remind each other that our voices matter.
Q: What has been your proudest milestone so far?
That I’m still here. Truly. I shouldn’t be alive by any medical standard. But I believe spirituality has been my greatest gift. I’ve learned to manifest good things even in the hardest moments, and every day I wake up grateful for another chance to make a difference.
Q: You’ve lived through changing times for women in leadership. What’s your view on how things have evolved?
As a Baby Boomer and lifelong entrepreneur, I had to learn early on to be seen as an equal, not as “just a woman.” I taught men to see me as a peer. But even now, with age and illness, it’s easy for society to forget us. My mission is to remind people — and especially women — that we are still here, still capable, and still powerful.
Q: What message would you like to share with future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Never, ever, ever give up. If someone tells you something won’t work — how do they know? There are no bad ideas. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who bring positive energy and vibrance to your life. Don’t waste your time around negativity. When women support one another with strength, wisdom, and openness, they create unstoppable energy. That’s what being a Golden Babe is all about.
Q: How do you define success — personally and professionally?
Most people measure success by money. I measure it by contribution. I believe true success is when you transform something painful or negative in your life into something that uplifts others. Every hardship I’ve faced has become a tool to help another woman heal or grow. Money fades, but the power to inspire and support others — that’s what real success looks like.
“Success isn’t about what you earn; it’s about what you return — the light you share after surviving your own darkness.”
Connect with Kathy Tarochione:
Kathy Tarochione | LinkedIn
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
