Entrepreneur and Aston University alumna Dr. Isabella Moore CBE challenges stereotypes about older adults in business and champions the transformative power of entrepreneurship in later life to boost health, self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
Prominent businesswoman and founder of the Olderpreneur Alliance, Dr. Moore shared her insights about The Healthy Work Podcast with Dr. Simon McCabe, where she highlighted the unique benefits older adults bring to the entrepreneurial world.
Based on her research at Aston University, Dr Moore argues that older adults have valuable ‘age capital’ – the resilience, skills and adaptability they have built up throughout their lives – making them well-suited for entrepreneurship. Its Later-Creator programme, designed to promote the confidence and resilience of mature entrepreneurs, aims to support people looking to start new ventures in retirement.
“Many people I spoke to were concerned about losing cognitive skills in retirement, especially those with a family history of dementia,” Dr. Moore said. “They sought the mental challenge of running a business to stay sharp.”
For many, entrepreneurship in later life is not just about financial gain, but also a way to stay mentally active, maintain their identity and make a meaningful contribution. Dr. Moore noted that societal expectations often discourage older adults, especially women, from exploring business opportunities. “Many women internalize the idea that they should focus on grandchildren or caregiving rather than business, while men feel pressured to ‘take it easy,’” she noted.
Dr. Moore advocates for an age-friendly business environment and urges employers, policymakers and the media to recognize older adults as valuable contributors to the entrepreneurial landscape. Tailored support, she says, is critical for older entrepreneurs, paying attention to life stages, family responsibilities and the unique expertise they bring.
Dr. Simon McCabe, head of the Healthy Work Research Group at Aston Business School, praised Dr. Moore and noted that “age capital” offers older entrepreneurs credibility and confidence. “Maintaining both physical and mental well-being is fundamental to navigating the entrepreneurial journey and building resilience,” he added, urging older adults not to let age stereotypes hold them back .
As interest in adult entrepreneurship grows, Dr. Moore challenges perceptions, opening new opportunities for older adults to thrive in business and achieve greater well-being.