Abstract
The dynamics of entrepreneurs starting, driving and leaving firms is interesting, with a large turnover of firms and of entrepreneurs. Such dynamics can also be linked to the life course dynamics of individual entrepreneurs. Surprisingly few have studied the dynamics within age groups 55+. This chapter addresses this gap as we explore entry, survival and exit patterns of two groups: All Swedish 55-year-olds and 60-year-olds who started firms in 2004. We follow these entrepreneurs over six years to analyze changes in their relation to the labor market. We find three general change patterns: Stay as firm owners, go to an employment or leave the labor market (retirement etc.). The findings show quite a dynamic pattern and challenge many beliefs about entrepreneurship and about the elderly on the labor market and as self-employed.