Baby boomers, those born between the years 1946 and 1964, represent 75 million of the nation’s population. And, in 2008, the first of that generation will hit the early retirement age of 62. Many boomers, however, don’t plan to retire. The new wave of business start-ups that is expected in the next couple of years will probably not be headed-up by 20-somethings as in recent years, but, rather, by potential retirees.

I Dream of Ownership
Of over 2100 people surveyed in a Yahoo poll conducted last year, 55% checked “own my own business” as the work they would prefer to do late in life. And 37% of those plan to start their businesses in the next five years. Ten percent of the general population owns their own business and, as a basis of comparison, 16% of baby boomers do. They make up 54% of all business owners.

Is there something in the water these days that has caused the boomers to keep on working through their golden years? You could say that. Many have a love of labor (who would of thought). But overwhelmingly it is their desire to be free and independent. Baby boomers are known to have what is called a “Peter Pan Complex.” They reject growing old in the traditional fashion, instead seeking new stimulations and challenges in their lives.

I can’t help but think about those commercials for retirement investments that talk about how, these days, retirees are looking at retirement in a whole new way. Instead of sitting in the rocking chair watching TV and darning socks, boomers reaching retirement age are taking motorcycle trips across country, skydiving, and just overall living the life they always wanted to. Why not add starting a business doing something you love to the list?

Want-to or Have-to?
Many boomers are going into business for themselves at retirement age out of necessity rather than desire. It’s the only way they will have an income during the latter part of their life. An unfortunate 90% of 45-54 year olds have less than $250,000 saved up for retirement. That equates to less than $10,000 annually to live on for 30 years.

You may be asking what the baby boomers have to offer that can lend to their success as entrepreneurs. Well, the typical stereotype associated with those reaching retirement age generally doesn’t apply to the boomer generation.

Baby Boomers:
1. are better educated that previous retiree generations.
2. are more willing to take on challenges.
3. have more funds available that younger entrepreneurs because they typically don’t have kids at home to support and have their mortgage paid off.
4. have more time available to develop their business correctly.
5. have years of experience in the real world.
6. have a vast network of connections from, frankly, years of being a part of this world.

I can’t help but cheer the boomer generation on. That’s what retirement should be… doing what you love. And why not make money doing it to support you in the years ahead? And let’s not forget, the successful businesses to come from the boomer generation will help the rest of us too, by creating new jobs, decreasing the tax burden and aiding the economy.

All I have left to say is, in the words of the 20-something generation to which I belong: “More power to ya!”

Sources:
• AgeTimes.com: Start-Up Explosion on the Horizon
• BusinessJournal.com: Most Americans Dream of Starting Business
• PowerHomeBiz.com: Entrepreneurship and the Retiree
• RealtyTimes.com: Baby Boomers Boost Home-Based Business Market

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