“I’m going to retire and stop working.” Does this statement seem unlikely to you? Whether because they have a lot of energy to simply stop, or they need to keep working because they have dependents, many retirees do not leave the market. Thus, entrepreneurship in the elderly makes even more sense, being an attractive option.
The fact is that it is increasingly common to work after retirement, both because of the need to continue generating income to guarantee a standard of living and because of the desire to continue in the activity.
For those who want to enjoy this phase of life and do something new, entrepreneurship emerges as a healthy alternative in financial and motivational terms.
For Claudia Soares, from the IPROS Institute, an NGO that promotes social entrepreneurship, it is not just the concern with the amount paid by a public pension that moves people to undertake in the elderly.
Other factors such as the incentive given by the government, the personal fulfillment caused by the work routine, and the increase in income play a role in this decision.
We talked more with Claudia about this trend. So, check out some ideas and possibilities to bet on entrepreneurship in the elderly!
Factors that encourage people to undertake
Contrary to what many people think, knowing how to undertake is not a natural talent. Currently, it is possible to pursue a series of specializations in Entrepreneurial Education and, thus, develop the necessary skills to run a business of your own.
Entrepreneurship has gained strength in all parts of the world as an alternative for promoting professional development and financial independence. Specifically in Brazil, this practice found a very favorable social and cultural environment.
According to data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, today, there are 53.4 million Brazilians at the forefront of some entrepreneurial activity. Lots of people, right?
Here, among the factors that encourage entrepreneurship, we can mention:
• the need to supplement income and bring a better quality of life;
• the fact of having debts and few possibilities of employment;
• unemployment — especially after the pandemic ;
• the desire to do something for yourself and not have bosses, especially thinking about retired people who already have some security;
• a desire to have more flexibility and control over your own routine, as is the case with many who need to care for children and grandchildren.
The characteristics that help entrepreneurship in the elderly
Starting from the understanding that entrepreneurship is putting into practice the ability to dream, plan and achieve, in retirement, it is quite common for people to focus their energies on working with what they really like.
Several characteristics help for this, such as having a more qualified network of contacts and a professional biography that allows mapping the weaknesses and strengths of individual skills and competencies.
The experience as a consumer also comes into focus, which makes it possible to perceive the problems that lead to undertaking to supply a lack of market service.
“I’m amazed at the amount of work I do, especially at the end of the year, when I usually supply stores too.” That’s what happened to Carmen Lahmeyer, who saw the loss of her job as a chance to work as she wanted.
The benefits of entrepreneurship in the elderly
She tells in more detail: “I have always worked in the craft market, specifically with patchwork, but when I started to sew on my own, I saw that I could focus more on what I really liked to produce: accessories for the babies’ layette, such as pillows, crib protectors and fluffy. I’m in love with the children’s universe!” she says.
Carmen reports that she already had a stand whose operating costs were shared with a partner but that she currently produces her 100% handmade pieces to order at home. “The great truth is that, at 70 years old, I enjoy my time working with what gives me pleasure, and I am very pleased to see the results”, she explains.
As with Carmen, security and maturity can be decisive ingredients for entrepreneurship in the elderly. In addition, since many people are retired, free time enters this account and makes the possibility of having your own company more palpable.
We are also facing a scenario in which people have more longevity with quality, right? Therefore, the energy to work and have an economically active life is a reality.
Another feature that drives entrepreneurship a lot in the elderly is that we are talking about people who support or are the basis of family income. Thus, many elderly people do not even consider quitting work.
How to make it possible to start a business in retirement
First of all, it is necessary to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit. Then, according to Claudia, two questions must be answered:
• what is my dream;
• how can I do it.
In this way, in addition to developing projects that make sense to their lives, the entrepreneur will be able to weave a network of relationships that will help in the materialization of the business through the connection between people and available tools.
“For conscious action, it is necessary to align thinking — to discover new concepts —feeling — to experience new skills — and wanting, to practice new skills. Following these steps, it is possible to build an entrepreneurial path after the age of 50”, says Claudia.
In addition, it is worth thinking about some practical points that help make the business more resilient. Here’s what to consider:
• have a business plan, which studies your audience, your competitors, and practical actions so that products or services for entrepreneurship in the elderly have strength;
• understand the possibility of using credit lines from banks to advertise, buy machines, or have more money to hire a helper or outsource services such as marketing;
• study about business management. There are many courses, some even free, that give a lot of experience and practical sense. So, if you are fulfilling a dream and have never had a company of your own, these classes will make you take more accurate steps!
Entrepreneurship in the elderly with MAG Seguros
Did you know that MAG has a very interesting initiative for those who want to pursue entrepreneurship in the elderly? It is about the development of partner brokers with more than 50 years.
This is due to the fact that MAG Seguros understands that, in order to live longer and better, it is necessary to keep both bodies and mind active. In this way, we need to keep moving and with productivity in maturity. After all, we gain more purpose and possibilities!
What is the 50+ Active training program?
The 50+ Ativo initiative was born from the desire to provide a real professional opportunity for a public that has the experience, experience, and maturity that has been accumulated throughout life.
So, through our New Broker Training Program, we offer the opportunity to use all the acquired experience and learn a new profession, acting as a Life and Pension Broker.
What profile is the 50+ Ativo program looking for?
The good part of the 50+ Ativo program is that many people can participate and continue entrepreneurship in the elderly! There are some basic criteria, as shown below:
• it is valid for men and women throughout Brazil;
• the minimum schooling is having completed high school;
• people must be 50 years of age or older, which allows them to contribute with experience and maturity;
• participants must be socially active and well connected;
• have the desire to work to achieve your goals;
• it is necessary to have the will to make things happen and have an entrepreneurial spirit;
• good ability to communicate, sell ideas and listen to other people’s needs is essential;
• it is necessary to be resilient and persist in the face of obstacles;
• people have to be interested and commit to dedicating themselves exclusively to the new professional challenge.
Does this all have to do with your profile, and did you feel excited to get started? Read on to find out about how to go ahead with the program!
How does the 50+Active program work?
For starters, we recruit new partner brokers throughout the year. We select people within the profile for a training program that lasts for 12 months.
In parallel with the practical activities, we offer training and all the support for the preparation for the Technical Qualification exam of the Superintendence of Private social insurance Insurance, for which it is possible to receive the certificate that will allow you to act as a partner broker of MAG Seguros.
During the New Broker Training Program, we secure an educational grant to cover start-up expenses. When you start practicing on the field, we offer a performance scholarship, which will be the result of your results.
And there’s more! At MAG Seguros, you have access to its own work methodology, which defines the volume of activities to be carried out in accordance with the financial objectives of each partner. That is, it is you who will define the schedule of activities and the structuring of your work routine.
Why be part of this initiative?
Becoming a partner of MAG Seguros is an incredible opportunity to gain more purpose and stay active. In addition, you can improve your income to give yourself some luxuries or help family members.
You also greatly improve your self-esteem because we value the experience. After all, we know that the person’s experience can help in the day-to-day work. Not to mention that, according to your good performance, you will have awards for it.
