It never hurts to have a bit of extra retirement income. Social Security benefits are modest, savings accounts dwindle over time, and most people worry that they did not invest enough money in their retirement accounts to assure a comfortable lifestyle after they stop working.

The Rewards of Side Hustles

Before retirement, many people earn more income by working a second job. Others pursue a side hustle.  Side hustles are self-employed positions, often taking advantage of technology that companies offer to workers in the gig economy. Driving for Uber and delivering sandwiches for DoorDash are examples of app-based side hustles in the gig economy.

Extra income is not the only benefit that retirees enjoy when they pursue a side hustle. After decades of productive employment, seniors often miss the satisfaction of working. Building a business is emotionally rewarding, even if the business is small.

Side hustles also help older adults stay active. Using their brains productively elevates the mood of retirees, while working in a gig that requires movement improves physical fitness.

Many seniors prefer side hustles to part-time employment that requires them to work on a fixed schedule. Ideal side hustles allow seniors to set their own hours, to work at their own pace, and to take time off if they don’t feel like working.

Side Hustles for Retired Seniors

While ride-share and delivery gigs offer ready-made work opportunities, they aren’t the best choice for every older adult. Seniors who would rather not spend their days behind the wheel of a car can consider a variety of other options.

While not all side hustles involve apps, the app-based gig economy is not restricted to ride sharing and delivery services. Care.com offers seniors the opportunity to provide babysitting and senior care services. Seniors with handyman skills can find gigs assembling furniture, painting rooms, or performing yard work on TaskRabbit.

Seniors who are thinking about downsizing might want to earn extra income by using Airbnb to rent out a guestroom to short-term travelers. Homeowners who aren’t comfortable renting out rooms might opt to rent an empty garage or shed to neighbors who need extra storage by using the Neighbor app.

Finding a Side Hustle

The search for a side hustle should begin by taking an inventory of marketable skills. An older adult who managed an IT department before retiring may be able to offer paid assistance to consumers who need help setting up home networks. A former Human Resources director might provide consulting services to smaller businesses that don’t have an HR department. Retired teachers might earn extra income by tutoring students, either online or in person.

Of course, not every side hustle needs to be a continuation of a former career. Retirees can match side hustles to their interests as well as their skills. A senior who enjoys caring for pets and has a fenced yard might be positioned to offer doggy day care services. Pet lovers might also provide freelance dog training or pet grooming services. Seniors with graphic design or photography skills might market those talents to businesses that need brochures and other promotional materials.

Older adults who are fluent in a foreign language might tutor migrants who are learning English as a second language. Seniors who speak another language might instead offer freelance translation services.

Seniors with strong research and writing skills can also set up shop as a freelance content producer. Several companies, including Upwork and Fiverr, connect individuals with writing skills to businesses that need content creation. In addition to writing website pages and blog entries, freelancers provide writing services to small businesses that need promotional materials but have no marketing department, to businesses that need technical writers to prepare manuals, and to startups that need help preparing grant applications.