Social Entrepreneurship for the Elderly: Examining Challenges and Strategies for Improving Quality of Life

Abstract

This article aims to examine the challenges and strategies for improving the quality of life of the elderly through social entrepreneurship. This research is conducted as a narrative review using a descriptive analysis method, analyzing relevant academic sources on social entrepreneurship and the elderly. The data for this study were collected from reputable academic databases, focusing on articles related to elderly social entrepreneurship. The article explores various challenges that the elderly face in the path of social entrepreneurship, including economic, social, cultural, managerial, and physical-psychological challenges. The findings show that elderly individuals encounter multiple obstacles in establishing and developing social enterprises due to physical limitations, lack of financial resources, and negative social perceptions. In addition, several strategies for improving their situation were identified, including providing suitable financial facilities, creating educational programs to develop modern skills, changing societal attitudes, and strengthening supportive networks. Moreover, implementing supportive government policies and reducing bureaucratic barriers are also suggested as measures to facilitate elderly participation in social entrepreneurship. The final conclusion of this study indicates that through the implementation of appropriate economic, social, and cultural strategies and the provision of governmental support, the quality of life of the elderly can be improved, and their participation in social entrepreneurship can be increased. Lastly, this article offers recommendations for future research, particularly on the impact of social entrepreneurship on the physical and mental health of the elderly, as well as the use of modern technologies to ease their involvement in this process.