It pays to talk..

Some new research carried out by BT shows that half of over-50s do not tell their children about the physical things they can no longer do for themselves.It also shows more than a third (37%) of people under 50 find it difficult to talk to their parents and in-laws about the fact they are getting older.

The findings came from an ICM survey of 2,000 UK adults carried out from March 4-8.

The poll also found more than two thirds (69%) of adults under 50 in the UK are concerned about caring for their parents or in-laws as they get older, while 77% of over 50s are concerned about being a burden on their children.

Despite an apparent reluctance to talk about getting older, 80% of people over 50 expect to rely on the telephone to make sure they can keep in touch with family and friends as their mobility decreases. Well this is a BT survey so you might expect that but even so it does seem a pity that so many of us have difficulties in discussing these issues within our families. Come on - let us trust ourselves and our families and talk more openly.

60% of new businesses starting up from home.

This is the amazing statistic reported by Ian Bushby, Head of Start Ups at BT. He states that the current economic climate is acting as a spur for thousands of people to start up their own business from home.

In the UK, more than 60% of businesses start this way – with over 1,400 new ones launched each week. Home businesses account for more than a quarter of the UK’s employment and everyone is getting in on the action – from the young to over 50s and even stay-at-home parents.

Obviously, those thinking of launching during the current economic turmoil have to weigh up their options carefully. However, slowdowns can be defining moments for people to make the move, especially if they have lost their jobs.

Many who decide to hit the start-up trail launch their own enterprises from home because of their desire for a better work-life balance, to increase their income or to be their own boss. The overheads are also cheaper than renting premises and the benefits to the environment through reduced traffic congestion and energy savings are obvious.

The development of reliable, fast broadband connections and technology and communications that support working from home, means the trend towards more home start-ups will continue in the long run as people are able to manage the full gamut of business tasks from the comfort of their homes.

One interesting trend picked up by BT’s Home Business Report 2008 found an increase in spare time start-ups, with a third of people running a home business in their free time. This thriving 5pm-9pm economy offers would-be entrepreneurs a low-risk route to starting their own business while still retaining a regular income stream from their full-time jobs.

More and more over 50's are pursuing what setting up what are called Lifestyle Businesses. These people do not necessarily want to build up large businesses, employing others, just wish to do work that they love and enjoy. And what a major contribution they are making to the economy too!