A recent article in the LA Times talks about seniors who have started businesses after retirement, and joined the fastest growing age group of entrepreneurs. "A 2004 Rand Corp. study found that self-employment rates rise at older ages." The article goes on to say that, "While the 50-plus crowd made up 25 percent of the work force, they composed 40 percent of the self-employed…."
Sometimes it’s financial necessity that drives them, but often as not, it’s a need to do something useful and productive. When you have spent years learning to do things well – whatever your career may have been – why would you want to stop just because of a date on a calendar?These days, more and more people are electing to take on new challenges rather than "take it easy" in their later years. Many have good health, resources to support the venture, and the desire to make a difference.
Charlottesville has one of the best resources anywhere for senior entrepreneurs: The University of Virginia. Through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies you can take courses leading to a certificate, or simply take the courses that interest you as a Community Scholar. Either way, it’s another example of why Central Virginia is a great place to spend the best years of your life!
