Want to know the secret to staying sharp, having fun, and making extra cash well into your 60s? It’s not knitting or bingo—it’s side hustles!
From pet sitting to podcasting, savvy over-60s are proving that retirement isn’t the end of work, but the start of new opportunities.
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According to a new survey commissioned by Smart Energy GB, it seems that over-60s are showing the younger generations how it’s done when it comes to side hustles.
In fact, 37% of those surveyed have started their own money-making schemes in the past year. Who said retirement was for relaxing?
Instead of kicking back, many are using their skills to earn extra cash, and the ways they’re doing it are impressive.
Pet sitting and gardening services both came out on top, with 19% of respondents getting stuck in.
Who wouldn’t want to get paid to hang out with furry friends or potter around in the garden?
But that’s just the start. 17% of savvy people over 60 are making money by buying and reselling clothes, proving that you can still have an eye for fashion at any age.
And, if you thought podcasting was for millennials, think again—10% of over-60s are trying their hand at it, which could make for some very interesting content.
Some are even tapping into the world of social media, with 8% trying to become influencers and 7% managing social media accounts.
Could we see your gran on Instagram sharing life hacks and makeup tips soon?
On the more traditional side, there are still plenty of bread-and-butter jobs like baking wedding cakes, painting and decorating, and house cleaning.
And for those looking to make the most of their home, 7% have listed their spare rooms on Airbnb. After all, if you’re not using that guest room, why not make some extra dosh from it?
The rise of hybrid and remote working has also been a real winner for this age group.
A solid 59% of employed over-60s said working from home has given them the chance to explore their passions while still earning.
Over half (56%) even believe they’ve adapted to this new way of working better than their younger colleagues—though, on the flip side, the heating bills have gone up.
Energy costs are also a big topic for this group.
A whopping 85% are actively looking for ways to cut back, and half are planning to head back to the office during winter just to keep their heating costs down!
top 20 side hustles for over-60s:
- Pet sitting
- Gardening services
- Buying and reselling clothes
- Online IT support
- Podcasting
- Photography
- Business consultancy
- Childminding
- Social media influencing
- Social media management
- Airbnb/subletting spare rooms
- Web designing
- Mobile beauty therapy
- Window cleaning
- House cleaning
- Wedding cake baking
- Painting and decorating
- Teaching piano
- Party DJing
- Yoga instructing
It’s clear that age is just a number when it comes to making money.
Whether pet-sitting, teaching piano, or becoming a social media sensation, over-60s are proving that they’ve still got it.
So, if you’re in your golden years and looking to stay active, earn some extra cash, and maybe even have a laugh while you’re at it—there’s a whole world of side hustles waiting for you!
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Thara says
Heya.
I organise weekly multi activity days in order to teach skills. It also gives them a real chance to make new friends too. I offer up to five activities. I tell them that they can then pick the ones that are on the typed list in question. For example we had one today. The activities on the list were as follows
Colouring
Table tennis
Dancing
Baking
Classic word games
We did rounders and a timed quiz based on telly shows before lunch. After lunch we did some colouring, baking and word play. Then we played table tennis and danced as well. To round things off there was plenty of singing and poetry recitals. For the next time I’m going to try to include gardening. Best wishes.
We will also paint wind chimes and make a wreath. In the afternoon we will do some gardening and shopping.