In recent years, a growing number of people over the age of 60 are embracing entrepreneurship. Traditionally considered a time for rest and relaxation, the post-retirement phase is increasingly being redefined as a time for reinvention and new beginnings.
Starting a business after 60 can be an empowering and fulfilling decision. Many people in their 60’s bring a wealth of experience, maturity and financial stability that younger entrepreneurs may lack. Retirees often have a hidden edge as entrepreneurs
▪ They bring experience that cannot be bought. Having handled office politics, weathered economic storms and mastered the art of human interactions, they understand the nuances of customer behaviour and value firm handshakes.
▪ They are freer to choose what matters to them. Its no longer about climbing a ladder but creating a legacy. Ultimately creating something aligned with one’s values and passion often brings joy and significance to life
▪ It is often not about rushing but building something that strives on thoughtful cultivation
▪ It is possible to start small and smartly. They can start a successful businesses from home. They can test the waters and grow organically without being burdened by heavy debt.
▪ A built in network is already available for them. One should never underestimate the power of their network. Despite digital age, personal recommendations continue to be extremely valuable.
▪ Running a business is a mental workout that requires problem solving,learning and strategizing on a daily basis. This helps in keeping mentally sharp and socially active and cultivate a sense of purpose
▪ One can build a successful business that embodies their vision and build a legacy that positively impacts their work.
This shift is also driven by longer life expectancy, evolving attitudes about aging, and the desire for purpose, income, and independence.
1. Longer, Healthier Lives
Thanks to medical advancements and healthier lifestyles, people are living longer and staying active well into their 70s and 80s. For many, turning 60 is no longer seen as the beginning of the end, but rather the start of a new, vibrant chapter. With years of good health ahead, many retirees feel they have the energy and enthusiasm to start something of their own.
2. A New Sense of Purpose
Retirement often brings a sense of freedom — but it can also come with feelings of boredom, loneliness, or loss of identity. Starting a business provides structure, purpose, and daily engagement. Whether it’s launching a bakery, offering consulting services, or selling crafts online, entrepreneurship can provide a renewed sense of direction and fulfilment.
3. Financial Motivation
For many, retirement savings and pensions may not be enough to support rising living expenses, healthcare costs, or lifestyle goals. A small business can help generate supplemental income without the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job. Unlike part-time employment, running your own business offers flexibility, autonomy, and the potential for greater financial rewards.
4. Turning Passion into Profession
After decades of working for others or managing family responsibilities, many retirees finally have time to pursue their passions. A love for gardening, cooking, writing, or teaching can easily be transformed into a meaningful business. With fewer obligations and more life experience, many find that their post-retirement business is more enjoyable and personally satisfying than anything they’ve done before.
6. The Power of Technology
Technology has made it easier than ever to start and run a business from home. Online platforms allow retirees to sell products, offer services, or build personal brands with minimal overhead. From starting an e-commerce store to becoming a YouTube creator or offering online classes, the digital world has opened up endless possibilities — even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Today, retirement is no longer seen as the end of productivity. Instead, it’s increasingly viewed as a time to follow dreams and pursue meaningful goals. Society is beginning to celebrate “second acts,” and stories of senior entrepreneurs are inspiring others to break stereotypes and take the leap.
Starting a business after 60 is not just about earning money — it’s about staying engaged, independent, and inspired. With experience on their side and passion in their hearts, more seniors are proving that age is just a number when it comes to chasing dreams.
Here are some prominent entrepreneurs from India who started successful businesses after reaching the age of 60:
Lachhman Das Mittal: Launched the Sonalika Group, India’s third-largest tractor maker, after retiring from the Life Insurance Corporation of India at age 60. Sonalika is now India’s largest tractor export brand.
Jaswant Kular: At 60, she founded Jaswant’s Kitchen Indian Spice Blends. Originally developed for her family, her unique spice blends are now sold in over 100 stores—a classic example of entrepreneurship driven by personal necessity and culinary tradition.
Nirmala Hegde: Started a home-based food venture after turning 64, offering popular homemade dishes such as appam and garlic chutney that quickly generated positive word-of-mouth and repeat customers.
Manju Ji: Launched “Manju’s,” a restaurant, at the age of 80. Even in her eighties, she actively oversees and cooks at the establishment in Brighton, England.
Asha Puri: Converted her lifelong hobby of hand-knitting sweaters into a full-fledged business at age 75. Her venture, “With Love From Granny,” consistently receives at least 100 orders every month.
Nagamani: At 88, started “Roots & Shoots,” offering hair oils made from hand-pounded traditional recipes, blending entrepreneurial spirit with age-old wisdom.
Rajinder Kaur Chatha: Began “Ammiji” at the age of 92 in 2015, using traditional spice recipes that gained popularity, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Kokila Parekh: At 79, launched a chai masala business during the pandemic, which soon started receiving hundreds of orders for its unique flavours.
Whether you’re 60, 70, or beyond, it’s never too late to start something new — and it might just be the most rewarding chapter of your life.