Do Entrepreneurs Live Longer?
- Dr. Lawrence T. Force
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Do Entrepreneurs Live Longer?
by
L.T. Force, Ph.D.
Gerontologist
The question is: “Do entrepreneurs live longer?”. This is an interesting question. One of the things we know from the aging and gerontological literature, coupled with a variety of media presentations - there is a major concern about: “social isolation and loneliness in the older population” - and the impact they have on health, emotions, cognitive decline and death.
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Definition: Social Isolation and Lonliness:
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
National Institute of Health / National Institute of Aging (July 11, 2024)
(NIH / NIA)
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The arena of work has drastically changed across time. The impact of the COVID epidemic has added to the acceleration of this workplace change. Coupled with technological advances and remote work opportunities the entrepreneurial spirit has gained prominence.
Knowing what we know - are there ways to combat, to stave off or reverse the perils of social isolation and loneliness (and the accompanying deficits) in older adults? I think so. I believe one remedy would be to encourage and promote an entrepreneurial spirit in older adults. In fact, I believe involvement in entrepreneurial endeavors and ‘start-ups’ would be a natural remedy - increasing health, wellness, a sense of belonging, an increase in meaning, purpose and connectiveness and an extension of longevity.
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Definition of ‘Start-ups’
A ‘startup or start-up’ is a company or project undertaken by an entrepreneur to seek, develop, and validate a scalable business model.[1][2] While entrepreneurshipincludes all new businesses including self-employment and businesses that do not intend to go public, startups are new businesses that intend to grow large beyond the solo-founder.[3] During the beginning, startups face high uncertainty[4] and have high rates of failure, but a minority of them do go on to become successful and influential, such as unicorns.[5]
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One distinguishing feature found within a ‘start-up’ is the need for teamwork and affiliation. If you have ever witnessed a ‘start-up’ in action - you will note the: “buzz of activity and the presence of creativity and problem- solving strategies - with the activity, rhythm and exchanges - it truly almost feels like being in the midst of a beehive - while watching all the gears work together in a synchronized fashion (see image above)”.
My belief is - if the “nature of a start-up” represents the above scenario - calling for teamwork and affiliation - are these not the antidote for social isolation? I believe so - and the encouragement of having older adults become involved in these platforms (based upon their interests coupled with the foundation of their wisdom and experience) is a win-win for all. I can also argue - there is more of a benefit for encouraging entrepreneurship for older adults - to amplify the human condition - rather than combatting social isolation and loneliness with the use of robots:
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