Thought retirement was all about slowing down? For a growing number of us, the years after 70 are turning into a vibrant “second act,” full of new purpose, connection, and, yes, even a little extra income. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a major trend.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly one in five Americans aged 65 and older was still working in 2023, nearly double the share from 35 years prior. This includes many people in their 70s. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2022, a solid 18.4% of people aged 70-74 were in the labor force, along with 8.2% of those 75 and older.
What’s driving this shift? For some, it’s financial. But for many others, it’s about so much more than money. Many workers over 65 feel that having an enjoyable job is essential to living a fulfilling life. It’s about staying sharp, connected, and engaged.
Become a consultant and cash in on your experience
You’ve spent a lifetime building expertise in your field. Why not get paid for it? Consulting is the perfect way to leverage decades of knowledge without the 9-to-5 grind.
You get to focus on the parts of your career you truly loved, offering valuable insights to businesses that desperately need them. As career coach Shveta Miglani says, “There are so many ways you can utilize your experience,” and consulting is a prime example.
The demand is real. With the rise of the project-based economy, many companies are looking for highly skilled pros for short-term projects, and your deep experience makes you an incredibly attractive candidate.
The income can be substantial. While it varies by industry, a retirement plan consultant, for example, earns an average of $71,437 a year. You can set your own rates, whether hourly, per-project, or on a retainer basis.
Share your stories as a freelance writer
Your life is full of stories and unique perspectives. Freelance writing allows you to turn your experiences into paid content, all from the comfort of your own home.
The demand for good writers is booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 5,900 new writing jobs will be created between 2021 and 2031. Why? As businesses invest heavily in content marketing, they require writers who can convey authority and authenticity.
Your previous career is your secret weapon. Whether you were in finance, healthcare, or education, that expertise is a high-paying niche. Technical writers, for instance, can earn an average of $60,000 a year.
Even without a specific niche, the pay can be great. Writers on platforms like Upwork earn between $19 and $45 per hour. And if you aim high, publications like AARP The Magazine have been known to pay up to $1.50 per word.
Turn your love for pets into a sitting service
Imagine getting paid to play with puppies and cuddle with cats. If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting is less of a job and more of a joy. It offers companionship and light physical activity without the long-term commitment of owning a pet yourself.
And business is booming! Zion Market Research reports that the pet care industry is massive, valued at over $235 billion in 2022 and on track to hit $363 billion by 2030. With 94 million pet-owning households in the U.S., there’s no shortage of furry clients.
The income is pretty sweet, too. Pet sitters often charge between $45 and $75 for an overnight stay. If you’re just doing drop-in visits or walks through an app like Rover, you can expect to make around $15 to $20 an hour. In fact, one analysis showed a dedicated solo pet sitter could potentially earn over $42,000 a year with a steady part-time schedule.
Sell your handmade creations to a global market
That hobby you’ve lovingly perfected over the years—whether it’s knitting, woodworking, painting, or pottery—can be a source of income and immense pride. We’re living in a golden age for artisans.
Consumers are increasingly seeking unique, handmade items over mass-produced goods, fueling a massive market. The global handicrafts market was valued at a staggering $739.95 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $983.12 billion by 2030.
Your earning potential is entirely up to you. It depends on your craft, pricing, and the quantity you want to produce. The key is to value your time and skill.
Online marketplaces have made it simple to reach customers around the world. Etsy is the giant in this space, with over 89 million active buyers looking for exactly what you make. Other great platforms include Shopify, which gives you more control over your own online store, and Amazon Handmade.
Tutor the next generation online
You have a wealth of knowledge, whether it’s in math, history, a foreign language, or a professional skill. Online tutoring enables you to share your knowledge with students who need it, all without leaving your home.
The demand for tutors is exploding. The global online tutoring market topped $15 billion in 2024 and is projected to soar past $25 billion by 2027. This isn’t just a small side gig; it can be a significant source of income. A dedicated solo tutor could potentially earn up to $5,000 a month.
Getting started is straightforward. Platforms like Wyzant connect you with students of all ages. There are also wonderful programs, such as Learn To Be, which specifically recruit older adults to help students in underserved communities. Startup costs are minimal—if you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you’re most of the way there.
Drive for a rideshare or delivery app
If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, becoming a driver for a service like Uber or a delivery app like DoorDash can be a wonderfully flexible way to earn extra cash.
You are completely in control of your schedule. The social connection is a huge plus for many. The pay can be solid, especially if you drive during peak hours. One East Coast driver reported earning $25 to $30 an hour with Uber and Uber Eats.
Tonia Heukelom, a 71-year-old Uber driver, started after retiring from her career as a flight attendant. She says the job gives her energy and makes her feel needed. For her, it’s about the special connections she makes with passengers, which are just as valuable as the earnings.
Offer your skills as a personal chef
Do you find joy in cooking for others? You can turn that passion into a rewarding business as a personal chef, creating delicious and nutritious meals for people who don’t have the time or ability to cook for themselves.
The demand for personal chefs is growing fast, driven by busy professionals and health-conscious individuals. The global market is expected to be worth nearly $24.18 billion by 2033. In the U.S. alone, there are already more than 5,000 personal chef businesses.
This can be a lucrative venture. Private chefs typically charge between $40 and $100 per hour. A part-time schedule providing a few dinners a week for a family could bring in around $550 per week, plus the cost of groceries.
You can even specialize. The franchise Chefs For Seniors, for example, focuses on providing affordable, in-home meal prep for the elderly, combining great food with much-needed companionship. It’s a low-investment way to get started, with franchise costs ranging from about $9,250 to $26,570.
Become a notary public signing agent
If you’re detail-oriented and reliable, becoming a notary public who specializes in loan signings is a fantastic way to earn a great income on a flexible schedule. A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a notary who is specially trained to handle and notarize loan documents. In the world of real estate, they are essential.
The pay is excellent for the time involved. NSAs can earn between $75 and $200 for a single appointment, which typically takes less than an hour. Even working part-time, the income adds up quickly. A part-time NSA doing just five signings a week could earn around $2,000 a month. Some dedicated full-time agents have built six-figure businesses.
To get started, you’ll need to become a commissioned notary public in your state, which usually involves a course, an exam, and a background check. After that, you’ll take specialized training to become a loan signing agent. Organizations like the National Notary Association offer resources and training to guide you through the process.
Help others declutter as a professional organizer
Do you have a knack for creating order out of chaos? People will pay for that skill! As a professional organizer, you can help clients declutter their homes, streamline their offices, and bring a sense of calm and efficiency to their lives.
This is a rapidly growing field. The global professional organizer market was valued at $2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double to $4.8 billion by 2033. Our increasingly busy and cluttered lives fuel the demand.
The pay is solid, with organizers typically charging between $50 and $150 per hour for their services. You can also specialize in areas that are in high demand. With the U.S. population aged 65 and over expected to grow to nearly 95 million by 2060, there’s a significant need for organizers who specialize in senior-related services, such as downsizing and estate organization.
To build credibility, consider obtaining certification through reputable organizations like the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). They offer a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) credential that demonstrates to clients that you’re a proven expert.
Rent out a spare room for extra income
If you have an extra bedroom now that the kids have flown the nest, you’re sitting on a potential gold mine. Renting out a spare room on a short-term basis is one of the easiest ways to generate significant passive income.
The numbers are impressive. The typical Airbnb host in the U.S. earned over $13,800 in 2021. Specifically for our age group, the average host aged 65 and over earns about $8,350 a year from a single property.
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make the process incredibly simple. They handle bookings, payments, and provide support, as well as liability insurance.
Key takeaway
Staying active and earning an income after the age of 70 is more achievable and rewarding than ever. It’s not about rejoining the rat race; it’s about designing a life that works for you.
- It’s about more than money. While financial independence is a key goal, these side hustles also offer a powerful sense of purpose, social connection, and mental stimulation—all of which are crucial for healthy aging.
- Flexibility is king. The modern gig economy allows you to be your own boss. You can work as much or as little as you want, on a schedule that fits your life, not the other way around.
- Your experience is your greatest asset. Whether it’s decades of professional knowledge, a lifetime of honing a craft, or simply the wisdom that comes with age, you have something valuable to offer.
As the great actress Sophia Loren said, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life… When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Your next act is waiting.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 grocery staples to stock up on before prices spike again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 gas station chains with food so good it’s worth driving out of your way for
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
