Brazil's 60‑plus entrepreneurs drive senior‑age business surge

Brazil is on track to become the fifth country with the largest population of people aged 60 and over by 2030. A recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for 2025 shows that 4.3 million seniors – 53 % more than in 2012 – run their own businesses, and 63 % of those aged 65‑74 start enterprises for opportunity rather than necessity. Interviews in São Paulo illustrate the trend: 66‑year‑old former systems analyst Wagner Navarro Lima now operates a newspaper stand; 64‑year‑old mechanical engineer Luiz Fernando Farago is planning a post‑retirement venture; and 69‑year‑old Pierre Sfeir continues to run his carnival‑goods wholesale and retail firm.

At the same time, professionals over 50 are turning to artificial intelligence and flexible contracts to replace traditional CLT jobs. Juliana Ramalho, CEO of Talento Sênior, promoted the concept of “trabalhabilidade” – generating income through multiple short‑term projects and fractional executive roles – during the Summit Mulheres nas Profissões. The shift reflects broader economic changes and a growing demand for senior talent in Brazil’s labor market.