Seniors at Work: A Growing Trend

Seniors at Work: A Growing Trend

Having a job during one's senior years is now becoming increasingly common. That means more and more older people are figuring out how to make money after retirement. Just take a look at these numbers:

• By 2024, one in four workers will be older than 55, according to Reuters. That's double what it was in 1994.
• Close to half of the new jobs created in 2018 were filled by 55-and-older workers, making seniors the age group with the biggest job growth that year.
• Almost one in three workers expect to be 67 or older when they retire.

In addition, many employers now actively look to hire seniors. More and more of them are starting to recognize that experienced and mature workers often have strengths like loyalty, a strong work ethic and a good attitude, that some younger workers lack. The position might pay less than what they earned at the financial peak of their career, but can be personally fulfilling and provide opportunities to socialize or help others

Good Jobs for Older People

Seniors can get many kinds of jobs. It depends on the individual preferences and capacities since everyone ages differently. Thankfully, there are a wide range of potential jobs available for seniors to match all kinds of different motivations and capabilities.

You Want to Stay Involved in a Prior Career

1. Consultant

Has your work history helped you acquire a comprehensive resume of accomplishments and a wealth of knowledge in your field? Chances are, the answer is yes. Then you can guide a start up as a consultant in your own domain -on Full time or a Part time basis.

2. Writer and subject matter expert

Another way to share your knowledge is by writing about it. If you're an expert on a particular subject, get your name out there! Begin by starting a blog, publishing articles on platforms such as LinkedIn, or approaching publications related to your area of expertise.

3. Teacher

Why not teach others about your field? Community colleges and community centers often hire temporary instructors to teach classes for professional development or general interest. The occupation is particularly popular among women who launch second careers at age 62 or older (10.3%), but 3% of older men have also entered the field.

You Want to Get Out and About in Your Community

4. On-demand driver

Do you have a good driving record? Driving-related positions often make sense for healthy seniors who want to stay on the go.

5. Courier

Deliver food, packages, or other goods from local  restaurants, stores, or warehouses to the local people who ordered them, If you feel comfortable driving in your locality.

6. Real Estate Agent

Many retirees launch second careers as real estate brokers and sales agents who help clients buy, sell and rent properties.  Most real estate agents are self-employed, which means they set their own hours but might be subject to the schedule of clients.

You Want Social Contact

Having regular social contact is an important part of a healthy retirement. In fact, a lower risk of dementia and depression are two possible health benefits for working seniors. Jobs that involve a lot of personal interaction can help seniors stay engaged and boost day-to-day happiness levels.

7. Customer service representative

Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Why not help people by answering questions and solving problems? You need patience and good communication skills for this work. Basic computer knowledge is also necessary. But work-at-home jobs are available.

8. Tour guide

Share your love of local attractions and inspire others with your knowledge of history and geography. Depending on the venue, you could meet people from around the world. Public-speaking skills and a good memory are essential.

9. Retail salesperson

This is one of the most popular jobs for seniors. And it's easy to see why: Retail positions often have flexible schedules, opportunities for friendly contact with customers, and even healthcare benefits if you work for a larger company.

10. Event usher or attendant

Do you enjoy attending concerts, plays, and sporting events? Consider helping out—and earning some money—as an usher or event attendant. You could help people find their seats, take tickets, and provide general assistance. These jobs generally don't require much training, and they typically involve part-time work hours. Evening and weekend shifts are common.

You Want to Help People

Have you reached a point in your life where you want to give back? As a senior, careers in the service sector may offer fulfilling ways to help others by drawing upon your years of valuable life experience.

11. Tutor

Do you have a strong background in an academic area? You could help others successfully learn that subject. Plus, tutoring is usually a flexible job since you can often set your own hours and choose your clients.

12. Personal care aide or home health aide

Want to feel that you're truly making a difference? Personal care aides help people who are disabled or sick by assisting them with basic everyday needs. For example, you could provide assistance with things like errands, laundry, and bathing. But this can be physical work, so you should be comfortable lifting heavier objects and helping clients move from place to place within their homes or while out running errands.

As a home health aide, you could change bandages or dressings, monitor body temperature, and administer basic medications. (Home health aides are usually allowed to perform more medically necessary tasks than personal care aides.)

13. Professional Babysitter/Childcare worker

Help care for other people's children. You could find work in a day-care, childcare centre, or as a private nanny. If you don't have formal childcare experience, completing an early childhood education program can help you find a position.

You Want to Work in a Job That Isn't Physically Challenging

14. Temporary office worker

Flexibility is often a big advantage of this kind of job. So if you're a senior who has good days and bad days when it comes to your physical or mental health, temp work might be a good option. As a temp worker, you generally have some freedom to tell potential employers when you'll be available or feeling well enough to work—without making long-term commitments. In addition, many temp jobs involve sitting—without any physically demanding work.

15. Administrative assistant

Help businesses and organizations run smoothly by answering phones, booking appointments, responding to customers' questions, and doing other administrative tasks. This work is often done sitting down. It’s particularly common for women to take on office roles in retirement, including as secretaries and administrative assistants (5.9%), receptionists and information clerks (3.7%), office clerks (2.3%) and bookkeeping and accounting clerks (1.9%). While these positions generally require a commute to the office, you might be able to work from home as a virtual assistant.

16. Virtual assistant

These workers do similar tasks to administrative assistants, but they typically work remotely. So this is a great option for people who are looking for jobs for seniors at home. Plus, working as a virtual assistant is possible while traveling since the work can be done anywhere with a good Internet connection.

You Want to Explore a Career Related to a Favourite Hobby or Lifelong Passion

Many people put their creative aspirations aside while they work in stable jobs to make a decent living. Maybe you've been one of them. But retirement could be your chance to earn a little money and explore those interests at the same time. Why not do what you love?

17. Gardener or landscaper

Gardening is definitely a popular hobby among seniors. But did you know it's possible to turn your passion for plants into profits? You could find individual clients in your neighborhood, work for a nursery, or find a job with a landscaping company.

18. Musician or singer

Have you always wanted to be on stage? The senior years could be your chance to shine. In fact, even though you might not think of performing as one of the top jobs for seniors over 70, almost nine percent of singers and musicians have passed their 70th birthday. Of course, a performing arts background is helpful, and you should be prepared to put a lot of time into practicing.

19. Creative writer or memoirist

Do you have a story to tell? Many retirees draft a memoir or novel once they finally have the time to sit down and write Meeting with other writers and sharing your work in order to receive constructive feedback can boost your chances of success and add a social element to your days.

20. Artist or craftsperson

Is expressing your artistic side on your retirement bucket list? Although most artists never get rich, activities like painting, sculpture, and crafts are popular retirement hobbies that make money. However, as an artist or craftsperson, you often have to invest some time in finding customers who will purchase your work.

You Want to Be an Entrepreneur

For seniors who have always wanted to run a business, retirement can be an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills. In fact, starting a business is a popular way for retirees to make some money while enjoying the benefits of being their own boss. People in the 55-to-64 age group start new companies at the second-highest rate in America.

 Benefits of Working as a Senior

·       A regular cash flow

·       A longer life

·       Sharper mental capacity

·       Greater overall enjoyment

·       Greater social well-being

·       Opportunities to try new things

·       More retirement savings

Finding Jobs to Apply For

• Do your due diligence. When searching for potential jobs, be skeptical of companies that claim to offer work-at-home-jobs for retirees, especially if they sound too good to be true. Sometimes, these job postings are fraudulent, so approach vague ads with caution. You don't want to be a target for elder fraud.
• Network. Using your personal connections is a great way to find the best jobs for seniors. (Over 60 percent of open jobs are filled through networking, so getting a job often comes down to who you know.) Make sure the people in your life are aware that you're looking for a job. They may not realize you're in the market for work, especially if you're already retired.

Embrace the Possibilities

No matter why you want to work, you can find plenty of options that fit your goals and lifestyle. Good jobs for older people are definitely out there. So don't be afraid to take the necessary steps to get one. Always remember that seniors like you make valuable contributions every day while enjoying the benefits of working past retirement age.