7 Best Side Hustles for Retirees & Seniors (That Actually Work)

Karynn Snow
May 19
4 min read

Retirement is a new beginning, not the end of your hustle! Whether you're looking to bring in extra income, stay mentally sharp, or just fill your day with something meaningful and fun, exploring side hustles for retirees & seniors is a great way to do it.

From part-time passion projects to flexible gig apps, these are 7 side hustles that real retirees and seniors are actually doing—and loving. Let’s dive in! 👇

🧠 1. Rent Your Skills (Not Your Time) with Microconsulting

If you’ve got years of experience in education, HR, accounting, engineering, or another professional field, you can rent out your knowledge in bite-sized calls.

Platforms like Clarity.fm, Maven, PrestoExperts, and JustAnswer let you set your rate and schedule. Whether it’s helping a startup brainstorm or answering quick legal questions, your expertise is valuable!

✅ Perfect for: Retired pros who enjoy giving advice and solving problems 💡 Quick Tip: You can do this from your phone, iPad, or computer—no special tech skills needed!

🧓❤️ 2. Get Paid to Be a Virtual Grandparent or Mentor

Platforms like Papa.com connect older adults with people who could use a friendly face, a little advice, or even homework help. You’ll be matched with young adults, college students, or families needing light help or just companionship.

✅ Perfect for: Seniors who love chatting and supporting others 💡 Sweet Perk: You can choose virtual or in-person visits based on your comfort level.

👨‍💻 3. Get Paid to Test Products & Share Your Opinions

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to make money with product reviews, paid surveys, or market research. Companies love hearing what older adults think about websites, household items, healthcare services, and more. Sites like UserInterviews, Dscout, and Respondent are great places to start.

👉 Want the full scoop? I wrote a whole blog post about how to make money from product testing and market research – check it out for tips and trusted platforms I use personally!

✅ Perfect for: Curious minds and opinionated retirees 💡 Bonus: Many of these are remote, so you can participate in your pajamas!

🛍️ 4. Mystery Shopping (Yes, It’s Real!)

If you enjoy running errands, trying new restaurants, or browsing stores, mystery shopping could be a great fit! Companies pay you to visit locations and report on the customer experience.

Two of the most reliable companies to start with are BestMark and Market Force.

👉 Want to know how it works, how to spot scams, and a list of companies to sign up with? Check out my full guide to mystery shopping as a side hustle!

✅ Perfect for: People who enjoy being out and about 💡 Pro Tip: There’s a wide variety of shops—banks, fast food, retail, even car service!

📸 5. Field Inspector (Walk, Snap, Earn!)

Love being outdoors and taking photos? As a field inspector, you might be asked to snap pictures of homes, cars, or businesses for insurance or documentation purposes. It’s flexible, fast, and surprisingly easy to get started. Apps and sites to try: Ivueit, SOFI Inspections, and Photoinspections.com

👉 I go into detail about this hustle in my blog post on how to make money as a field inspector.

✅ Perfect for: Anyone who likes short outings and taking phone photos 💡 Bonus: No special licenses or training required, just your phone and a good eye!

🐶 6. Pet Sitting & House Sitting (Cuddles + Cash!)

If you're an animal lover or enjoy peaceful environments, you’ll love this one. Apps like Rover and TrustedHousesitters connect you with families who need a responsible person to care for their pet or home. You can choose overnight stays, weekend gigs, or daytime dog walks.

✅ Perfect for: Animal lovers, homebodies, or travel lovers 💡 Travel Tip: Some house sitting gigs include FREE stays in beautiful places, yes, even abroad!

🚘 7. Drive When You Want (Even as a Senior!)

Driving apps aren’t just for twenty-somethings! If you’ve got a clean driving record and like chatting with people, consider signing up for:

Uber or Lyft
HopSkipDrive – specifically for seniors with caregiving experience

✅ Perfect for: Responsible drivers who want flexible hours 💡 Smart Tip: You can stick to mornings, school hours, or daytime shifts to avoid traffic.

🤔 How to Pick the Right Side Hustle for You

Ask yourself:

🕒 Do I want to work on a set schedule—or on my own time?

🧘‍♀️ Do I want something low-key or more active?

📱 Am I comfortable using apps or online tools?

💬 Start small. Pick one thing that sounds fun and try it for a few weeks!

🌱 Retirement Hustles = Purpose + Profit

Whether you're looking to make an extra $100 a month—or just want something fun and purposeful to do with your time, there’s a hustle out there that fits your lifestyle.

These aren’t just money-makers—they’re confidence boosters, mental workouts, and even social connectors.

🔗 Related Posts You Might Like:

💬 Over to You…

Have you tried any of these side hustles? Which one sounds like the most fun to you?

Drop a comment below—or share this post with a fellow retiree who’s looking for a fresh way to earn!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, I cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or correct. Always do your own research and verify directly with the companies mentioned before signing up or accepting any field inspection work. Additionally links above may contain affiliate commissions.