Positive aging refers to continued growth, adaptation, and fulfillment in life by maintaining health (physical), well-being (psychological), engagement (social), and a sense of purpose (spiritual) as one grows older. In contemporary society, new venture creation has emerged as a significant pathway for post-retirement engagement, enabling individuals to remain active, purposeful, and socially connected. As the proportion of women in the population continues to grow, and as more women become educated and empowered, they show a high concern for achieving positive aging while simultaneously pursuing entrepreneurial ventures later in life. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of women transitioning from corporate careers to entrepreneurial ventures through the lens of positive aging. This study is grounded on continuity theory and life course theory, which together provide a framework for understanding how individuals sustain engagement and navigate life transitions. Drawing on models of positive aging and women’s late-life venturing, this qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews with 12 participants to explore how they navigate the transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship and perceive the aging process. The findings reveal that the transition unfolds through four successive stages—learning, exercising, doing, and establishing. Moreover, the study identifies six interrelated dimensions through which “positivity” in aging is expressed: personal growth, autonomy, resilience, social connectedness, contribution, and well-being. Overall, the study concludes that entrepreneurship as a post-retirement engagement serves as an enabling mechanism for positive aging among women, fostering continued development, social integration, and fulfillment in later life.

Authors:
Kumudinei Dissanayake, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Kumudinei Dissanayake is attached to the Department of Management and Organization Studies, at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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