Census data released by Statistics Canada in 2017 revealed that there are a lot of elderly people living in Canada, with senior citizens making up around 16% of the total population – a larger proportion than children aged under 14. As time goes on, the population is likely to get even older, with some predicting that over sixty-fives will account for 1 in every 4 people by 2031.

With such a high proportion of elderly people, more and more seniors are having to work past retirement age. The award-winning stair lift manufacturer Acorn Stairlifts have researched & put together a list of readily available jobs that are suitable for senior citizens.

Becoming a consultant

With age comes experience. If you’ve spent a whole careers amassing professional experience, technical knowledge and advanced degrees, you’re in a perfect position to become a consultant. It’s a great way to make use of your contacts and share your specialist knowledge with a new generation.

You don’t even have to be retired – consultancy is a great role for anyone in the later stages of their career.

Work in the education sector

There are many opportunities for older workers to dive back in to the education sector. Schools, colleges and universities are crying out for support and admin staff, such as:

  • Administrative workers
  • Bus drivers & bus monitors
  • Crossing guards
  • Help in the cafeteria
  • Librarians
  • Teacher’s assistants
  • Tutors

If you prefer a more academic role, you could consider working as an adjunct professor at a college or university. This would see you teaching a class in your area of expertise. Some establishments also offer online courses, which would allow you to work from home – ideal if you have health or mobility issues.

Don’t want to work in a school or college? You could always teach a class in your local community centre or even in people’s homes – e.g. as a music instructor.

Become a sports coach

Coaching a sports team is a great way to spend some time outdoors and stay active in your later years. From team sports to athletics, swimming to tennis – there are plenty of opportunities out there.

Become a customer service rep

There’s never a shortage of customer service jobs out there. If you’re handy with a computer and you enjoy talking to people, this job would be ideal. You would spend your time answering questions, dealing with complaints, taking reservations for a company or troubleshooting any issues. You would spend most of your time seated, which again would be ideal if you have limited mobility. An increasing number of companies also let their employees work from home.

Working past retirement age allows you to work on your own terms, and many companies will value the wisdom and experience a senior worker can offer.