The number of entrepreneurs aged 65 and older who have registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) has increased by more than 40 percent in the past five years. According to Chamber of Commerce adviser Angèle Magré, some of the over-65s still feel much too young to stop working.
The number of entrepreneurs aged 75 and older in particular is rising sharply, according to new figures from the Chamber of Commerce. In the age group of 65 to 79, the number of entrepreneurs even increased by 108 percent compared to five years ago.
Although a large number of people continue to work in their own company after reaching retirement age, the number of people starting their own company after retirement is also increasing. This group has increased by 15 percent in the past five years. The statutory retirement age is now 68 years.
People over the age of 65 often start a new company in the business services sector. “Many older people want to share their experience, knowledge and network in specific industries with young people,” says Magré. “More and more often we see that they start a business as a coach and mentor.”
The group of older people who continue in their own company after reaching the predetermined retirement age often have a practical reason for doing so. “There is also a group of entrepreneurs who do not yet have a buyer or successor for the company,” says Magré. And the group that has found a successor sometimes finds it difficult to let go of the company they built.
