Punching the Stereotype

By Elizabeth Ndungu

How Seasoned Adults Are Thriving in Tech and Business

You might think the startup world is owned by twenty-somethings in hoodies chugging energy drinks but let me tell you something. There’s a quieter, wiser revolution underway. Picture this: someone’s nana is launching a digital business from her tablet while sipping ginger tea. And she’s absolutely thriving.

Mature adults aren’t just learning tech. They are building businesses, creating content, and making bold moves with grace, confidence, and curiosity.

1. Seasoned and Self Starting

According to Forbes, more people aged 50 and up are starting their own businesses. These aren’t just passion projects or hobbies. Many are launching consultancies, online shops, coaching platforms, or community-focused services.

Why now? Because they finally can. Freed from full-time employment or childcare, seasoned adults often have the time, wisdom, and financial runway to do what lights them up. Experience becomes their biggest asset.

2. Seasoned Adults Are Dominating Digital Spaces

A few years ago, it was rare to see someone over 65 confidently navigating a smartphone, let alone launching a website or managing a newsletter. But that’s no longer the case.

Pew Research has shown a massive spike in tech adoption among seasoned adults. They’re not just checking email. They are booking Zoom meetings, tracking analytics, and using cloud storage like it’s second nature. Pew even had to revise how they study tech use in seniors because adoption has grown so quickly.

3. You Might Not Even Realize They’re Seniors

Here’s the plot twist. Many people over 60 don’t look or act like you might expect.

With wellness trends, active lifestyles, and a love of learning, today’s older adults are energized and tech fluent. That cool business coach hosting a Canva workshop might be 67, even if she looks 45. Age doesn’t look the way it used to, and that’s a good thing.

4. The Rise of the Olderpreneur

Wise Learn calls them “olderpreneurs”, individuals who are building businesses after age 50 with purpose and precision.

olderpreneurs are not trying to compete in hustle culture. They are making intentional moves that align with their values and goals. There is less ego, more patience, and plenty of clarity.

5. Why This Generation Has Been Overlooked

We’ve underestimated seasoned adults for years. But the truth is, they are more than capable of adapting, growing, and innovating. They bring calm to chaos, and clarity to strategy.

They are not chasing trends. They are setting sustainable ones.

6. From Nervous to Nimble with Tech

In my experience training seasoned adults on digital tools, I’ve seen remarkable shifts. People who once hesitated to open a laptop are now organizing spreadsheets, scheduling social posts, or recording video tutorials.

All it takes is patience and the right support. Once they feel safe to explore, there’s no stopping them.

7. What You Can Do Today

• Send this to someone 50 or older who still has a dream on hold
• Challenge your assumptions about what aging looks like
• Support businesses run by older adults
• Invite your parents or grandparents to learn something new
• Remember that it’s never too late to try

 

Final Thought

There’s no deadline for becoming who you want to be. Growth doesn’t stop at 40 or 50 or even 75. In fact, that second or third act might be the best one yet.

The 60 plus startup scene is growing, and it’s full of courage, creativity, and community. Let us cheer them on 🙂

If you would like to connect with a company that focuses on 50+ entrepreneurs – reach out to Ndungu Consulting.