What life of Leisure?

Robert J. Terry//March 24, 2011//

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Slate’s Emily Yoffe treks to Leisure World in Silver Spring to explore the phenomenon of “retirement entrepreneurs” and the result is a really interesting read.

Most of the 8,500 residents in the age-restricted community (you have to be 55 and older to live there) are living at Leisure World precisely because they prefer to spend their retirement years not worrying about a 40-hour work week. But as Yoffe illustrates, some have turned to self-employment — and found an avenue to a dream job, with a ready-made customer base.

This tracks with new labor reports and studies showing increasing numbers of men and women working past the age of 65.

One Leisure World resident runs an elder care business. Another is an interior designer. Another is a beautician. All have found a marketplace inside the gates of the 610-acre private community, and they see potential for their services in assisted-living neighborhoods close by.

I’ve been to Leisure World on several occasions and every time I couldn’t help but think of Del Boca Vista. The next time I’m there I’ll think of something else: a business incubator.

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