15 Best Side Hustles for Retirees and Senior Citizens

What if the legendary Colonel Sanders thought it was too late to start a new venture? 

Your favorite KFC burgers would’ve never seen the light of the day.

He founded KFC at 62. At an age most people start planning their retirement. 

Goes to prove you are always young enough to follow your passion.

Retirement, in fact, offers a golden opportunity to explore new passions and generate extra income while staying mentally and physically active.

Projections from the US Census Bureau show that by 2034, elderly people (65 and above) will outnumber children (age 18 and below). For the first time in the history of the US. 

A major section of these retirees and senior citizens will remain untapped resources. Unless they start rekindling their passions.  

In today’s blog, we’ve put together a list of retirement business ideas for you to get started.

15 Side Hustles for Retirees and Senior Citizens 

Retirement age is shifting. Careers are getting longer.

Many Americans are choosing to extend their working lives, with nearly 40% of those over 65 having returned to the workforce after initial retirement. (source: RAND Corporation, nonprofit).

This trend is reshaping the traditional concept of retirement.

In this section, we have grouped 15 potential business ideas for retired senior citizens under different categories. 

Read on.

Leveraging Your Expertise

Retirement is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to kick things off than by leveraging your years of experience into a side hustle?

Here’s how you can transform your expertise into a profitable and rewarding venture.

1. Tutoring and Teaching: $10–25/hour

Tutoring and teaching can be immensely rewarding, allowing you to pass on your wisdom and knowledge. 

With online platforms like Tutor.com and Wyzant, you can connect with students from around the world and offer lessons from the comfort of your home.

You can dust off your expertise in math, science, history, or even a foreign language – the possibilities are endless. 

It’s a fantastic way to keep your mind sharp and engaged.

2. Consulting Business: $40/hour

Think back to your decades of experience in your chosen field.

All those challenges tackled, lessons learned, and insights gained – that’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be shared. 

Organizations are looking for people like you to lend their expertise as consultants in different areas.

You could advise a startup on its marketing strategy, help a small business streamline operations, or guide a non-profit organization through its growth phase. 

Consulting allows you to stay connected to your professional roots while allowing you to choose your clients and projects with flexibility. 

Platforms like LinkedIn ProFinder and Upwork can help you find consulting opportunities that match your expertise.

3. Writing and Blogging: $30-50/hour

Writing and blogging offer a creative outlet to express your thoughts, experiences, and insights. 

You could write about your travel adventures, gardening tips, or your reflections on life. 

Next, you can self-publish your work on platforms like Medium or start your own blog using WordPress. 

Additionally, many established websites and publications are constantly looking for guest contributors. 

Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are goldmines for freelance writers and help them connect with clients worldwide.

Besides being an exciting side hustle, writing and blogging can also offer potential income streams through ad revenue, sponsored content, and book sales. 

For instance, if you start a newsletter, platforms like Substack will claim a 10% share of your revenue once you start monetizing.

4. Virtual Assistance: $1,518/month 

Your organizational skills and administrative experience can be a lifeline for busy professionals and small business owners. 

As a virtual assistant, you can help manage schedules, handle correspondence, organize files, and perform other administrative tasks. 

All from the comfort of your home. 

It could entail activities such as:

1. Coordinating a CEO’s calendar

2. Managing a small business’s social media accounts, or

3. Assisting a blogger with content planning. 

The role of a virtual assistant is diverse and can be tailored to your strengths. 

Websites like Belay and Time Etc connect virtual assistants with clients in need of their skills. This side hustle not only keeps you busy but also allows you to make a significant impact on someone’s business.

5. Financial Planning and Consulting: $35-50/hour

If you have a background in finance, your expertise can help individuals and small businesses navigate the intricate world of financial planning. 

You could advise LLCs and small business owners on managing their cash flow or guide retirees on making the most of their savings. 

As a financial planner or consultant, you can offer budgeting, retirement planning, investment advice, and tax planning services. 

You can work independently, join a financial planning firm, or connect with clients through platforms like Garrett Planning Network. 

Your guidance can provide peace of mind and financial security to those who need it most.

Creative Pursuits

A side hustle doesn’t always mean you need to break a sweat. Especially if you unleash your creative side.

Attracting a steady flow of passive income is easy and fulfilling with the following activities.

6. Selling Crafts and Handmade Items: $400/month

What’s better than spending your afternoons creating beautiful jewelry, baking, or crafting unique home décor items? 

Sharing your handmade treasures with the world and making a profit from your creativity. 

Platforms like Etsy and Gumroad and local craft fairs provide the perfect opportunity to sell your handmade goods. 

On average, you earn $100 for each item listed for sale on Etsy. [source: Etsy seller handbook]

You can also participate in local markets to showcase your talent to a wider community. 

Note: At a later stage, you can even start dropshipping and earn $1000-2000 per month through Shopify.

7. Photography: $32k-501k YoY

The world through your lens is beautiful. About time you turn it into a side hustle.

Whether it’s capturing the beauty of nature or the buzz of a family gathering, your photography skills can offer endless possibilities. 

Nothing equals the joy of seeing your photos in a magazine, on a website, or hanging in someone’s home. 

8. Interior Design Consulting: $15-28/hour

Interior design consulting might be the perfect side hustle for you if you have a knack for creating visually appealing, functional spaces out of mundane indoor areas. 

Homeowners or office spaces looking to refresh their interiors can benefit immensely from your services. 

With tools like Pinterest and Houzz, you can create design boards and share your ideas with clients digitally. 

9. Event Planning: $22/hour

Event planning is another fantastic way to leverage your organizational skills and creativity. 

From orchestrating a beautiful wedding to a spectacular corporate event, your role as an event planner is crucial to the success of any gathering. 

The role typically involves selecting the perfect venue, coordinating with vendors, and managing the event logistics. 

You can specialize in specific types of events, such as weddings or corporate functions, or offer a complete suite of planning services. 

Websites like The Knot and Eventbrite can help you connect with potential clients and market your services. 

10. Food and Nutrition Ventures 

Your culinary skills could be the perfect side hustle. 

For starters, you can launch a food blog where you share your favorite recipes and cooking tips or offer online cooking classes. 

You could even create a line of homemade food products, such as baked goods, sauces, or jams, and sell them at local farmers’ markets or online. 

Once your business is up and running, you can specialize in organic products or vegan recipes.

With platforms like WordPress and YouTube, you can reach a wide audience and build a community of food enthusiasts. 

Nutrition consulting for elderly people: $25/hour

If you’ve retired from the health and nutrition field, diet consulting for older adults is a great way to continue making money.

It is a high-profit business idea for nutritionists, physical therapists, dieticians, and nurses.

Want to take it up a notch? Partner with gyms and fitness centers to offer specialized services to those 60 and older. 

You can even build a website and market your services to individual seniors looking for advice. 

But first, you may need to go through a formal program to become a certified nutritionist.

Service-Based Opportunities

Looking to make a difference while earning extra income? 

These service-based side hustles are perfect for retirees and seniors. 

Not only do they allow you to connect with others in meaningful ways, but they also leverage your unique skills and passions to provide much-needed services. 

The following opportunities offer flexible and rewarding ways to stay active and engaged in your community.

11. Elder Care: $15.58/Hour

There’s nothing more gratifying than providing companionship and assistance to fellow seniors or individuals with disabilities. 

As a senior caregiver, you can make a significant difference in someone’s life by offering services such as: 

1. Commute to appointments 

2. Assistance with household chores

3. Medical care

Or simply being a friendly presence.

You can work through local agencies, offer your services independently, or even find opportunities on platforms like Care.com. 

12. Pet Care Services: $13.72/Hour

Turning your passion for pets into a side hustle can be both enjoyable and profitable. 

You get to bond with pets, providing them with the care and attention they need while their owners are busy or away. 

Services like Rover and Wag! make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area. 

Additionally, you can offer specialized services such as pet training or creating homemade pet treats. 

Your love for animals can translate into a thriving business, allowing you to spend your post-retirement days doing something you truly enjoy.

13. Home Cleaning Services: $45-50/Hour

As a home cleaning and organizing service provider, you can help individuals maintain tidy living spaces. 

From deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to organizing closets and pantries, your efforts can significantly impact someone’s quality of life. 

You can offer one-time deep cleaning services or set up regular cleaning schedules for clients. 

Websites like Thumbtack and Taskrabbit can help you connect with potential customers.

14. Landscaping and Gardening: $18.76/Hour

Landscaping and gardening services can be a perfect post-retirement hustle. 

Many homeowners lack the time or expertise to maintain their gardens. 

Your knowledge can help them achieve the lush, vibrant yards they desire. 

You can offer services such as lawn care, planting flowers, designing garden layouts, or trimming and pruning foliage.

15. Errand and Delivery Services: Assisting Busy Individuals

As an errand and delivery service provider, you can make people’s lives easier by handling tasks they may not have time for. 

Whether it’s picking up prescriptions, dropping off dry cleaning, or delivering groceries, your assistance can be invaluable. 

Services like Instacart and Postmates offer opportunities to provide delivery services. 

You can also offer personalized errand services through local advertisements or word of mouth. 

doola Transforms Your Skills into Thriving Business

From monetizing your new retirement hobbies as a side hustle to creating a profitable business, doola can help you generate extra cash flow.

Offering a comprehensive suite of services from LLC formation to bookkeeping, doola is a one-stop destination for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Here’s how doola can assist you:

1. Business Formation

doola simplifies the process of forming a legal business entity, such as an LLC, which can provide liability protection and other benefits.

Our team of experts guides you through each step, from choosing a business name to filing the necessary paperwork with the state.

2. EIN Registration

Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is crucial for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.

doola helps you apply for an EIN quickly and easily, ensuring you meet all IRS requirements.

3. Compliance and Licensing

doola ensures your side hustle complies with local, state, and federal regulations.

We assist with obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about legal issues.

4. Tax Assistance

Navigating the complexities of business taxes can be challenging.

doola provides tax assistance to help you understand your tax obligations, maximize deductions, and stay compliant with tax laws.

5. Ongoing Support

Starting a side hustle is just the beginning. doola offers ongoing support to help you manage and grow your business.

Whether you need advice on marketing, finance, or operations, team doola is there to assist you every step of the way.

6. Access to Resources

doola provides access to a wealth of resources, including guides, templates, and tools to help you succeed.

Our platform is designed to make your entrepreneurial journey as seamless as possible.

Why Retired Senior Citizens Choose doola for Their Businesses

Thousands of retired senior citizens have benefitted from doola’s services and built successful businesses.

By combining your skills, experience, and passion with doola’s support, you can create a fulfilling and profitable side hustle that enriches your retirement years.

Because you can only retire from work. Not from your passion.

Ready to turn your passion into profit? 

Let doola be your partner in success. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs

What mistakes do retirees make when starting a side hustle?

Retirees often do not set clear goals, overcommit, and fail to manage their time effectively.

It’s important to establish specific objectives, balance your workload, and organize your schedule to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable side hustle.

Do I need to have previous experience in the field of my chosen side hustle?

No, you don’t. What matters is your interest.

For instance, if you’ve always been passionate about gardening, you could start your own gardening and landscaping business without any prior experience.

Are there any legal considerations for starting a side hustle?

Depends on your specific business. You may need to obtain permits or licenses, register your business with the relevant government bodies, obtain insurance, and pay taxes. 

doola guides you through every legal procedure.