Entrepreneur and Aston University alumnus Dr Isabella Moore CBE challenges older adults’ views on business, encouraging the transformative power of young entrepreneurs to improve health, confidence and mental wellbeing.
Prominent businesswoman and founder of the Olderpreneur Alliance, Dr Moore shared her insights on the Healthy Work Podcast with Dr Simon McCabe, where she highlighted the unique benefits older people bring to business.
Drawing on his Aston University research, Dr Moore says older adults have “age capital”—resilience, skills, and flexibility built up over a lifetime—that make them well-suited for entrepreneurship. His late-starter program, designed to encourage the confidence and resilience of mature entrepreneurs, aims to support those who want to start new businesses after retirement.
“Many people I spoke to were concerned about losing their cognitive abilities in retirement, especially those with a family history of dementia,” said Dr Moore. “They want the mental challenge of running a business to stay sharp.”
For many, the latter trade is not only about financial gain but also a way to stay mentally active, maintain identity, and contribute in a meaningful way. Dr Moore noted that societal expectations often discourage older people, especially women, from exploring business opportunities. “Many women internalize the idea that they should focus on the grandchildren or taking care of the children instead of the business, while men feel pressured to ‘slow down,'” she notes.
Dr Moore advocates for an age-friendly business environment, urging employers, policy makers, and the media to recognize older people as valuable contributors to business. Consistent support, he says, is key for older entrepreneurs, coping with 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’s work, noting that the “money of age” gives older entrepreneurs credibility and confidence. “Maintaining physical and mental well-being is the foundation of navigating business travel and building resilience,” he added, urging older adults not to let the ageist stereotype hold them back.
As interest in geriatric entrepreneurship grows, Dr. Moore’s work continues to challenge assumptions, opening up new opportunities for older adults to succeed in business and achieve greater well-being.
