4 Potential Jobs to Keep Seniors Busy & Happy in Retirement

Are you getting ready to retire in the near future? If so, and if you’re like many other seniors, you may not be looking forward to retiring completely. A lot of retirees plan on continuing work well into their retirement years, whether they are motivated by a desire for extra income or something to pass the time. However, even for those who want to work in retirement, many are unsure which jobs will provide the incentives they need without jeopardizing their sense of freedom. If you are one of these curious seniors, here are some ideas from the Council on Aging of Elkhart County for maintaining your income and a career after retirement.

The Council on Aging of Elkhart County hopes the following information is helpful and inspiring to our readers. In addition, we offer a variety of other supportive services for seniors, including transportation, in home care, and life enrichment. You can apply for services or become a volunteer by visiting us online.

Freelance From Your Home

Do you have a knack for detail? Do you also want to enjoy more time in your home during retirement? If so, a freelance job board could connect you with the perfect position. Using an online job board, you can find freelance opportunities in accounting, marketing, sales, customer service or even as a virtual assistant. Regardless of the job, flexible freelance positions typically

only require remote work, which means you can earn extra cash from the comfort of your own home or anywhere that has internet access.

Walk Dogs for Your Friends

If you love dogs but aren’t ready to commit to one of your own, becoming a dog walker could be a good job for retirement. You can start by offering to walk dogs for your friends and family members, and then ask those folks to recommend your services to fellow dog owners. Once you feel comfortable handling different canines, you can also list your services online to attract more clients. Whether you have a couple of clients or a lot, walking dogs is not only good for your budget, but it can also be good for your body and mind. Several studies have shown that dogs can encourage seniors to be more active and stick to a daily routine, so by becoming a part-time or full-time dog walker, you can get all of these wellness benefits without any of the downfalls.

Sell Food From Your Garden

For seniors who have a green thumb, selling plants or produce could be a lucrative way to earn some extra dough in retirement. Selling at farmers’ markets can be fairly straightforward and can also give older adults a chance to interact with other folks in the community. You can sell as little or as much as you like, so this gig can work for just about anyone with a green thumb.

Start Making Your Own Crafts

Another way to earn extra income at local markets is to sell homemade crafts. People love to buy jewelry, clothing, pottery and other handmade goods from local vendors, so if you have a talent for making these sorts of items, you may want to think about using them to boost your retirement savings. Even if you don’t want to get out to local markets and craft shows, you can still earn extra income by selling your handmade wares online. Sites like Etsy make it really simple for artists and craft makers to connect with customers and sell their products across the globe, meaning you can sell your homemade goods without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

Register Your Business

Once you’ve gotten going in any of the above ventures, it’s a good idea to formally register your business with the state of Indiana. A limited liability company, or LLC, is a popular choice for many budding business owners. This structure comes with benefits including tax incentives and protection of your personal assets from those of your company. The LLC Indiana formation process requires little paperwork compared to other business entity types (like S corporations and partnerships), and you can work with an online formation company to truly keep it simple.

If you are going to work in retirement, whether it’s for money or just to have something extra to do, you should at least enjoy the job you choose. So consider one of the possibilities above or think about other jobs that will allow you to put your passions to work.

Written by: Michael Longsdon

Savvy Seniors Going High Tech

Staying in touch across the miles has never been easier thanks to the plethora of technological devices that allow us to be connected to one another. This can be especially important for seniors who both want and need to stay in contact with family and friends who may live in different parts of the country or even the world. However, technology can feel like a tough nut to crack in this day and age. But with a little help and some extra insight, you can embrace all that tech has to offer so you can stay connected and safe.

The Council of Aging is dedicated to supporting Elkhart County seniors to keep them safe and healthy at home. When it’s time to connect in person again, look for ways to stay engaged through volunteer opportunities.

Do A Tech Check

Technology is continually advancing, and seniors who don't use a lot of tech (or its more complex features) on a regular basis may not realize when their devices become outdated. Compatibility, ease-of-use, and reliability tend to improve with new generations. You can help yourself, or the seniors in your life, by periodically conducting “tech checks” to make sure devices are in good operating order, and are updated or upgraded as needed. You should also periodically reevaluate user needs and adjust accordingly. For example, an older parent who uses a smartphone for watching movies today may need an advanced device in the future for tracking meds or measuring blood oxygen levels. If you need a smartphone with more capability, you can take advantage of year-long and holiday offers on new models.

Consider Usage Needs

You or your senior friends and family, like many of us, may use only the basic functions on smart devices. For example, smartphones are often used just for email correspondence, calls and texting, taking pictures, and a small number of applications (apps). Take or offer a tutorial that showcases the many functions of various devices, or enlist the help of an electronics expert. Many families even make “must-have” lists of devices and apps for the seniors in their life, which can help take the guesswork out of scanning through a multitude of options.

Tech For Touch

Not only does technology allow seniors the same benefits and ease-of-use that everyone enjoys, but it also keeps them connected, and allows friends and family the peace of mind of being able to regularly “see” and hear their loved ones in real-time. This is especially comforting when trying to care for someone long distance or monitor their progress. Other smart tech that can aid in these efforts include devices like portals, in-home video monitoring systems and door-cams. Seniors who know how to use features like Zoom and Skype can also make use of their laptops and TVs to amplify virtual get-togethers.

Tech For Safety

Technology isn’t just for connectivity – it can also be employed for health, safety, and information access. High-tech video security systems allow you to monitor camera views from smartphones, and tech with voice-commanded features – including appliances and tech like Alexa, Echo, Nest or Ecobee – aid in helping seniors maintain safe, independent living while still having access to help, should they need it. According to the Consumer Technology Association, “safety tech” is an emerging field. Even fitness trackers and smartwatches can aid in monitoring basic health stats and serving as ever-present touchpoints.

What To Buy?

The type of tech you buy for yourself or the seniors in your life should be based on overall tech knowledge and intended use and need. Electronics professionals are adept at helping sort through options and are willing to train you on features and usage. As always, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you begin shopping. For example, if a new laptop or desktop computer is necessary, browse reputable electronic consumer reviews that compare various features and price points.

People of all ages can benefit from advances in technology. Tech can potentially give seniors more years of living unassisted in their own homes. Learning curves can be tricky for those set in their ways, but with a bit of tutoring and access to support, users of all ages can enjoy, be connected, informed, educated and safe, once they understand the power and benefits of tech.

Written by: Mary Shannon