Articles
DOI DOI: 10.62441/actainnovations.v63i.1102

SILVER-AGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THEORIES, METHODS, TRENDS, AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Nishanunn Mangkang1, Triyuth Promsiri2
  1. 1 College of Management, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
  2. 2 College of Management, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Abstract

Demographic changes caused by population aging are transforming economic participation worldwide. Entrepreneurship provides older adults (aged 50+) with opportunities for economic empowerment and social integration. However, despite advances in entrepreneurship education and the longevity economy, the connection between these areas remains unexplored. This paper introduces and develops the field of Silver-Age Entrepreneurship Education (SAEE). This paper employs a dual methodology: a bibliometric analysis of 2,396 Scopus-indexed publications (1987–2025) and an integrative literature review across silver-age entrepreneurship, adult learning, and entrepreneurship education. The analysis addresses four research questions: why SAEE matters, what defines a silver-age entrepreneur, why older adults need entrepreneurship education, and how they learn best. The bibliometric analysis reveals a marked preference for younger learners in the entrepreneurship education literature. At the same time, older (silver-age) learners, with entirely distinct motivations, assets, identities, and outcomes, have been sidelined by researchers. Four domains of challenge are outlined: finance, skills/technology, ageism, and health concerns. This article integrates theories of andragogy, transformative learning, experiential learning, and the theory of planned behavior to provide a pedagogical model for silver-age learners. The model provides recommendations for teachers, program developers, and policy-makers regarding entrepreneurship education for senior citizens through problem-centered and experiential learning. SAEE enables older adults to remain economically active, maintain social connections, and achieve well-being through entrepreneurship, promoting social inclusion. This is the first systematic attempt to conceptualize SAEE as a distinct field, integrating bibliometric evidence with adult learning theory to address the needs of a rapidly growing yet underserved population.

How to Cite

Mangkang, N., & Promsiri, T. (2026). SILVER-AGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THEORIES, METHODS, TRENDS, AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS. ACTA INNOVATIONS, 63, 335–350. https://doi.org/10.62441/actainnovations.v63i.1102
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