Austria’s 79‑year‑old consultant exemplifies surge in senior entrepreneurship

Edith Karl, 79, left retirement behind to run a consulting practice in Eisenstadt, offering coaching and sparring to executives. Her story reflects a growing trend in Austria where senior‑age founders, dubbed “silverpreneurs,” are increasingly launching businesses. The Austrian Economic Chamber reports about 1,400 entrepreneurs over 65 are active, accounting for nearly one‑fifth of all single‑person firms. In the previous year, 123 new companies were started by people aged over 60 in the Burgenland region.

In Germany, legislators have removed earnings caps for pensioners, allowing retirees to earn unlimited income from minijobs without reductions to their old‑age pension. The min‑wage is set to rise to €13.90 per hour in 2026 and €14.60 in 2027, with the monthly earnings limit for minijobs adjusting accordingly—from €603 in 2026 to €633 in 2027. These changes, alongside guidelines on suitable occupations for seniors, are encouraging older workers to stay active in the labor market.