Matecun Thomas & Olson PLC - December 2019

There’s No Expiration Date on Entrepreneurship The Joys of Starting a Business After You ‘Retire’

As a nation, America is getting older. By 2030, 20% of Americans will be 65 or older. With people living longer than ever before and the baby boomers approaching retirement age en masse, older adults will

Quartz recently called seniors “the economy’s most underused natural resource.” Until more employers understand the value and potential of older workers, entrepreneurship remains the most viable avenue for seniors wanting to work after their primary career has ended. There are a number of reasons why seniors find creating their own business to be rewarding and why they tend to succeed when they do. Unlike younger people, who often become business owners in an attempt to make a fortune, older entrepreneurs can be content with small, sustainable micro- businesses. They also approach their businesses with a wealth of experience that can’t be purchased. As a result, 70% of ventures founded by older entrepreneurs are still open five years later, more than double the rate of the general population. With so much potential to be found in senior-run businesses, it’s no surprise that organizations are rushing to empower older adults with the tools they need to succeed. Senior Planet, a coworking space for seniors with outposts nationwide, teaches classes on skills like website creation in a space that makes older learners feel welcome and comfortable. On top of being an important economic driver, entrepreneurship can be a wonderful way for seniors to generate meaning and value in their lives. It’s never too late to start the business of your dreams.

continue to have a massive impact on the American economy at large. Normally, we think of seniors as people who cash in on the hard work they’ve already accomplished. Many young people even worry Social Security will be wiped out by the time they reach retirement age. But who’s to say older adults can’t contribute to the economy?

If you’ve ever tried to change jobs late in your career or pick up some part-time work after retirement, you know it’s hard to be hired as a senior.

The colder months come with a unique set of risks. During the winter, we rely on our heating sources to keep us warm and comfortable in our home. However, if we don’t take the proper steps toward safety, common household items can become

The Furnace

household hazards. Here are three potential hazards to watch out for this winter. The Fireplace

Having a routine inspection performed on your furnace and ducts is crucial. An inspection will spot any hazards that may impact safety and performance — including any potential risk associated with carbon monoxide leakage. The last thing you want this winter is to wake up in the middle of the night to a carbon monoxide detector blaring. And more to that point, check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they are in working order, and replace batteries as needed. Decorative Lighting

When was the last time you had your chimney swept? Or the last time you had your gas line inspected? Whether you use a wood- burning or gas fireplace,

an improperly vented chimney can pose a big

risk to you and your family. If there are any blockages, exhaust from the fire may leak into your home, increasing your risk of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide

Whether you decorate a Christmas tree or hang festive lights around your home, before you do, be sure to inspect extension cords, power strips, surge protectors, and

poisoning. To warn you of potential leaks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed within 10 feet of your home’s heating sources. There should also be smoke/carbon monoxide detectors somewhere outside the bedrooms, such as in a hallway or common area.

outlets as well as the strings of lights. Oftentimes, these cords go unused for months at a time. They may degrade, fray, or fall victim to rodent damage. Checking cords and outlets reduces the risk of shock and fire, keeping both you and your home safe this winter.

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