The future of work is evolving for everyone in the United States, with the pandemic accelerating trends including flexibility and the rise in portfolio working, with these trends also extending to America’s older adult population as many seek income and purpose after retirement. In fact, nearly half of adults are expected to work in some capacity after they retire, and almost a third of side hustlers are older than 54 (granted, 54 is younger than “senior” but about the age of a young active adult community resident)

Many older adults discover that they miss the social interactions as well as opportunities to solve problems and learn new things, just as much — if not more — than their primary income during retirement.

Why does this matter for senior living operators?

As more older adults choose to age in place, senior living community operators have to get creative to find ways to attract these potential residents to their communities. Serving as a resource to help older adults find purpose could be a selling point for those prospective residents who want to challenge themselves and maintain their independence.

For older adults who wish to and are able to work, finding a side hustle or a hobby can keep them mentally stimulated and help fill up free time. Plus, because those 65+ now tend to live longer and be more tech-savvy than previous generations have been, their opportunities for work have grown. With some guidance from senior living staff members and operators and a few clicks on their smartphones or computers, older adults now can sign up to monetize their skills.

In fact, according to my company, Airtasker — an online marketplace that connects people who need work done with people who want to work — many tasks are relevant for seniors, such as data entry/admin, accounting, copywriting, gardening and sewing/upholstery.

Inflation, increased costs of living and the economic fallout of the pandemic have caused many older adults to worry about finances during retirement. It has made budgets tighter, creating less flexibility to age in a community. But with existing technologies, older adults now are able to take on work or hobbies to support their futures in a meaningful way. By getting paid to use the skills they already have or to create things they love, older adults can earn income to live a more fulfilled life while also feeling more connected to their community.

How can seniors find a side hustle that’s right for them?

Despite many older adults being savvier with technology than previous generations were, one of the biggest hurdles to pursuing a side hustle is finding the right apps or platforms that are easy for them to navigate.

Those who work closely with older adults can educate them about the options available and help resdients navigate the websites or platforms that could help them monetize their skills. In most cases, this could involve:

  • Vetting the app for suitability
  • Helping set up a profile
  • Explaining how they can find work, and/or showing them available educational resources (such as videos)
  • Setting up their notifications
  • Organizing regular check-ins to ensure that they are on top of their calendar

A lot of newer platforms are tapping into the senior market, which means there’s a great opportunity to enable residents to find the jobs and opportunities that they are excited for (and well-suited to do). By having staff members vet four to five existing platforms and creating a list for residents to reference, older adults can feel more confident in the tools available.

As an operator, setting up a bespoke program or a monthly seminar or class to teach residents how to navigate the vetted apps can empower them to ask questions and gain more control of their side hustle journeys.

By presenting residents with an introduction to the tools and marketplaces they can use to succeed, they can find opportunities to do what they love, as well as turn their skills into a source of income and a fun activity that fills their time, which also could help them live happier and more fulfilled lives.

Bo Fishback is a serial entrepreneur, investor and executive who previously was founder and CEO of Zaarly. Following Airtasker’s acquisition of Zaarly in May 2021, he joined Airtasker as U.S. CEO and is leading the company’s US expansion across Kansas City, Dallas, Miami and Atlanta. Fishback believes in good karma, ambitious projects and youth basketball.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living marketplace column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.