Study links entrepreneurship to increased longevity and mental health benefits

A study published in the Journal of Business Venturing suggests that entrepreneurs tend to live longer than those who work for others. Based on over two decades of data from the Health and Retirement Study involving more than 27,000 Americans aged 50 or older, the research found that entrepreneurs face an approximately 10% lower risk of death compared to non-entrepreneurs.

Researchers noted that this longevity is partially explained by differences in mental health rather than physical health. Cristiano Bellavitis, a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology and lead researcher, noted that while entrepreneurship is often viewed as an extremely stressful activity, the high degree of autonomy and the opportunity to pursue passions may provide lasting benefits that offset the pressures of long hours.