Smart ageing – now is the time to prepare and support those over 50 who want to start a business.
There will be over one million people living in Ireland aged 65 and over by 2031.
The enormous demographic changes that will occur in Ireland over the next 15 years will change the entire social, cultural and economic landscape of the country.
According to 2016 figures from Social Justice Ireland, there will be at least one million over-65s in Ireland by 2031. “Now is the time to plan for this dramatic change,” says Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst with the agency.
As well as the need for primary and community health services, in every community, there is also the need for better access to learning and employment for the over 50s, says Murphy.
Investment in rural broadband should be a vital priority for every community in Ireland.
Wise and willing
Research by Amarach shows that 44% of respondents over 50 would be interested in a course to help them develop ideas and the skills to start their own business.
In fact, more than one in five over 50s had some experience of setting up their own business and 17% of those with experience set up their business when aged over 50.
There are supports available for people over 50 who want to start a business.
Visit: The Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange.
Also visit: The Ingenuity programme for entrepreneurs aged 50+.
READ MORE: It’s never too late to start.
Did you know?
Charles Flint was 61 when he founded IBM.
In Ireland, Peter Cullen founded Aran Candy in 1997 with his son Richard when he was 50 after an earlier venture failed. The business was sold for €15.5 million in 2014.
