Given that their chances for a normal, fully funded and relaxing retirement at age 65 are getting slimmer and slimmer, more boomer pre-retirees are taking matters into their own hands.
The charmingly named Center for Productive Longevity, a Colorado-based organization seeking to encourage those 55 and older to engage in productive activities, both paid and volunteer, recently held a series of national meetings encouraging those boomers to think about starting their own businesses as a way to promote their own retirement security – as well as keeping them active in their older years.
The Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers series brought more than 400 participants to meetings from Kansas City to Boston, with presentations by successful entrepreneurs including Doug Rauch, the former president and CEO of Trader Joe's and Larry Levy, founder and chairman of Levy Restaurants.
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With research suggesting that people over 55 represent a significantly growing percentage of Americans looking to start their own businesses – coupled with ongoing studies suggesting most pre-retirees acknowlege that they will probably continue working, at least part-time, into their retirement, the sessions provided a solid ground for those on the cusp of retirement to consider some different options.
"This is what built America – individuality, capitalism, inventiveness and the freedom to create your own business," said Karen Rose, one of the participants at the Denver meeting.
Organizers say that nearly three-quarters of those who attended said they were now more likely to create a new business as a result of the meetings.
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