Top Jobs for Seniors - Finding the Right Fit

Some people see retirement as a chance to unwind after a full career, while others end up missing the work that used to fill their days. Overall, more seniors than ever are looking for jobs, though the reasons why can vary from person to person. Whether you’re looking to supplement your retirement savings, connect with your community, or stimulate your body and mind, finding the right job might not be as hard as you think.

Take a look below for information on the benefits of working after retirement, the types of jobs available, and how to get started on your new career.

The Benefits of Having a Job After Retirement

Is working after retirement a good choice for you? An increasing number of seniors are saying yes and enjoy a wide range of benefits that come with it. If you’re looking for more reasons to pick up a new job after 65, take a look at some of these benefits.

You can also take a look at this list of 110 activities that a perfectly suited to seniors.

• Reduces the Risk of Health Problems

  It’s no secret that staying active into old age is great for your health, keeping your blood pumping, and your joints working. But research shows that finding a job can have similar effects. In fact, results show that employed seniors suffer less from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more. The reason may be as simple as having a reason to get your body up and moving each day.

• Improves Mental Acuity

  Employment can have similar effects on your mind as it does on your body. Of course, the work you find after retirement probably won’t be as great of a commitment as a full-time career. However, even casual, part-time work can be a great way to keep your mind focused on a task and work those problem-solving muscles on a daily basis.

• Boosts Your Social Life

  Almost every job has a social component, whether you’re working face-to-face with customers or in a small group with your coworkers. Socialization is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy mind and body when aging. By staying in regular contact with other people, you can stay young.

  Learn more about the effects of elderly loneliness here and find out what you can do to cope.

• Strengthens Your Finances

  If you’re looking for a way to stretch your retirement savings, bringing in even a small amount of money in your old age can go a long way. It can also be a good way to bridge the gap between retirement and Medicare benefits.

Other Factors to Consider When Working After Retirement

While there are plenty of benefits to finding a job after retirement, there are also a few potentially negative factors to consider as well. Make sure you take the time to think through some of these consequences before applying.

• Stress

  Starting a new job is hard for anyone, though it can be even harder for seniors who may be suffering from fatigue or other health conditions. This can add up quickly to a stressful situation if you’re not prepared. When starting a new job after retirement, make sure to take things slowly so as not to overwhelm yourself.

  Hand exercise balls can be a convenient way to relieve excess stress.

• Reduced Free Time

  Don’t forget that a job means you’ll have less time for hobbies, family, and household chores. It may be tempting to jump into a new job you’re excited about, but make sure only to take on as much extra work as your schedule allows. That means factoring in things like commuting as well.

• Financial Considerations

  While it might seem counterintuitive, taking on a new job may actually harm your finance rather than help. Be sure to talk to a financial adviser before taking on a job to find out how it will impact your taxes, health benefits, social security, and retirement accounts.

Types of Jobs for Retired Seniors

If you’ve decided to start looking for a job after retirement, you’ll be happy to know that there is no shortage of options out there. Before getting into specific work opportunities, consider some of the broader categories post-retirement work can fall into.

• Remote Work

  More and more people are working from home than ever, which is good news for seniors. Working from home means less time committed to communicating and less stress for those with mobility issues. You’ll be surprised how many options are out there, with jobs for a range of skillsets, including teaching, writing, translating, graphic design, and more.

• Part-Time Work

  Going back to work doesn’t have to mean taking on a five-day nine-to-five. In fact, if you're well into your retirement, it probably shouldn’t. Most of the benefits mentioned in the section above apply just as well to part-time jobs as full-time, while the negative consequences of full-time work may be more pronounced.

  No matter how much you would ultimately like to work, it’s best to start slow and build your hours little by little. After the first few weeks, the challenges of your new job will become more manageable, and taking on an extra load will be easier.

• Starting Your Own Business

  Did you know that the most successful entrepreneurs in the world are older adults? It’s true, which means retirement can be the perfect time to start your own business. The key is taking advantage of your years of work experience to launch your new enterprise to success. For example, a retired teacher may make money selling lesson plans online. A sports lover may be able to find success by offering coaching services.

• Volunteering

  If money isn’t your primary goal, volunteering may be an even better option than a traditional job. In many cases, the work is more rewarding, and they may come with fewer commitments. Just like a regular job, volunteering helps get you in touch with people in your community and keeps you active on a regular basis.

Where Can I Find a Job after 65?

Now that you’re starting to get a better idea of what kinds of jobs are out there, it’s time to explore the field a little. There are plenty of resources online that can give you an idea of the kinds of jobs that are out there. Who knows–you may even find something you like enough to apply to.

• Indeed

  There are dozens of job posting websites online that are worth exploring, though if you’re just getting started, it makes sense to go with the most popular. Indeed posts millions of jobs all across the country with a simple interface that anyone can use. Just input your location and the type of work you’re looking for, and it will give you a list of jobs to choose from.

• AARP

  As the country’s largest non-profit, the AARP is able to support seniors’ health, family life, and employment. They have a particularly robust job board with listings for jobs in all fields, all across the country. You don’t even need to register as a member to use it, and it comes with the added benefit of listing jobs that are particularly well-suited to seniors.

• Government Websites

  Most states offer senior employment programs designed to help adults over the age of 65 find jobs. Usually, this is run through your local department of labor, which may run specific employment programs you can benefit from. To get started, try googling the name of your state followed by ‘department of labor senior employment.

• Churches

  If you're a part of a church or attend on a regular basis, check bulletins, the website, or with other staff members for information on possible openings. 

• Community Centers

  Local places like libraries and senior centers are great places to job hunt. Most have favorable hours and available positions suitable for aging adults.

Job Options for Older Adults

If you’re still looking for specific ideas to get started on your career, consider some of these. There are options out there for all interests and levels of experience, and all it takes is the right match.

• Teaching

  No matter what your area of expertise, there’s always a student out there who could benefit from your knowledge. Even if you don’t have a teaching degree, community centers, and community colleges frequently higher short-term instructors to teach their students. Take a look at the institutions in your area and see what types of classes they offer. If there are any gaps, it may be the perfect niche for you.

• Driving

  If you’re looking for a job that can connect you with a wide range of different people, driving jobs may be the ideal option. Apps like Lyft and Uber allow you to get started immediately, ferrying customers across the city at a per-mile rate. The best part is you can set your own hours, letting you start slow and work as much or as little as you like.

  You don’t need any previous driving experience to drive for Lyft or Uber, just a clean driving record.

• Consulting

  Just like with teaching, there is a wide range of professional fields that can benefit from your lifetime of experience. Whether your expertise is in business, technology, art, or another area, you may be able to find someone who’s interested in what you have to say. As a bonus, consultants tend to have greater work flexibility, letting you handle your other responsibilities alongside your consulting work.

• Childcare

  There are many different levels of childcare positions, including work in daycares, private nanny agencies, or childcare centers. Some of these require more experience than others though you can always supplement your credentials with certificate programs which often take a year or less.

  Just don’t forget that caring for children often requires a lot of energy! Still, it can be the perfect option for someone who loves kids.

• Courier

  If you have access to a car and a clean driving record, courier positions could be a good option for someone who is looking for more solitary work. Just make sure you have an efficient and goal-oriented mindset, as workers of these jobs are often held to high standards for sticking to a predetermined schedule.

  If you have some experience as a courier, you might be able to get higher-paying work as a medical courier. These professionals deliver lab specimens, medications, test results, and other important items safely and securely.

• Government Jobs

  Government jobs are an often-overlooked option that can be a perfect fit for seniors. Did you know that more than a quarter of all federal workers are over 55 years old? The reason might be the high salaries, competitive benefits packages, and good pensions that come with the work. In addition, many public servants are eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, even after they retire.

• Handyperson

  As long as you’re physically fit and have some understanding of carpentry and basic plumbing or electrical work, you may be cut out for work as a handyperson. You can find traditional positions right in your community, as part of maintenance staff in local apartment buildings, or advertising your services to private clients.

  If you’re not sure how to get started, websites like TaskRabbit can be worth considering. Through a simple interface, the app helps match people who need handiwork with those with the right skills.

• Gardening

  If you have a passion for working with the earth, you might be surprised to learn that your favorite hobby can be a way to make money. There are plenty of people who can use a bit of extra help planting flowers or tending to their garden. Just make sure you’re up to the challenge of regular physical activity and don’t forget to pace yourself!

Getting Started on the Next Chapter of Your Career

No matter what your interest or expertise, there’s a job out there that can help connect you with your community and bring in some extra cash. The key to finding fulfilling work is making thoughtful and well-informed decisions about the type of work and the level of commitment you’re willing to make. Get started on your job search today to find the right fit for your needs.