Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), started his business after retirement, with just one ‘secret recipe’ of fried chicken. So, who said you need to be young to start your own business?
While it can be overwhelming to start a little business after retirement, all you need is the initial step. And, social media can aid you with marketing – talk about your services with catchy captions along with pictures, and you’re good to go.
So, is your plan ready? If not, go through our list of 15 business ideas, specially crafted for senior citizens that require very less investment – choose the one that best aligns with your interest.
“As humans, we need a meaningful purpose to chase in life – All of us do.”
1. Online selling
With high spending power and little time, the enormous middle class is buying online. If you have a particular skill in handicrafts, soft toys, designer clothes, handmade soaps candles, and fragrances, etc. set up an online shop on various e-commerce platforms such as e-Bay, Amazon and Flipkart. You can also sell on several social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Build your reputation over time, and you can even start selling directly through your website.
If you need guidance in using computers or in setting up an online shop, take help from your family members or watch YouTube tutorials.
2. Home care services
With the young generation moving out in search of jobs, the elderly may need assistance with daily needs. They may also need simple companionship from a person of their age who is willing to listen, help them with groceries, or walk with them in the park. Make a few calls to build trust in your existing network and get regular clients.
3. Tuition services for kids
You need not have a teaching background to take home tuitions. All you need to have is a good command over a few subjects. Reach out to the parents in your neighborhood and start tuition classes at home. Parents usually feel safe if their child is nearby. As your reputation grows, your business will grow too.
4. Sell homemade food items
Are you good at baking or making pickles and party items such as biryani? If yes, start by taking small orders from your neighborhood. This kind of business usually grows organically and can scale up quickly if you provide a good service. You can even post about your business on social media – this way, you can reach more people in less time. Moreover, there’s a rising demand for organic and healthy food – so, start preparing a few of your recipes and get going!
“Did you know that keeping yourself busy with some activity enhances your life?”
5. Content writing
Brands depend a lot on quality content to promote their products and services on the internet. Several specialized agencies help brands in creating content on any topic under the sun. If you think you are good with the language that they need content in and have great research capabilities, you can start working as a content writer. To get started, begin right away by joining online writing platforms such as Elance, Freelancer, Upwork, Peopleperhour, etc.
6. Book writing/ blogging
You can start a blog on Blogger or Wordpress and write about subjects that interest you. If your blog gains traction, you can get paid for the content you share. You can also write an e-book and publish it online on Amazon or Kindle. This requires zero investment but can give you significant profits in the long run, although you may have to invest in a book reviewer before publishing it.
7. Florist and garden maintenance
Flowers spruce up the mood at home or in private parties. People want beautiful and fragrant flowers to make their occasions special. If you have a knack for gardening and wish to make someone’s baby shower special with your flowers, this can be a very satisfying business option.
8. Property consultant
When people invest in property or insurance, they need assurance and the right advice. Unfortunately, with a focus on meeting financial targets, these two elements are hard to find these days. If you are consistent with your service, your name can quickly grow from word-of-mouth, eventually leading to a significant business growth.
9. Investment agent
If you’re someone with great investment insights, you can help people with their investment choices such as stock markets, mutual funds, SIPs and more. For starters, elderlies who wish to manage their extra finances can be your primary clients.
10. Baby daycare center
Managing jobs and taking care of children can be a task for young parents. Hence, they are always looking for daycare centers – so, why don’t you consider starting your own? Leaving their kid with someone experienced will instill a feeling of safety. Moreover, the wisdom, warmth, and love that their child receives will always be cherished!
11. Healing coach/ Life coach
Are you good at yoga, meditation, or chiropractic healing? Consider becoming a healing coach. Elderlies often have minor aches and sprains that you can treat. At the same time, you can form a community that they would love to be a part of for companionship.
You can also become a life coach, career coach, relationship coach, religious coach, or a marriage counselor.
“ There are endless possibilities to jump-start the life of your dreams after retirement.”
12. Tours for senior citizens
Senior adults always look for companions and a safe environment to travel. If you come from a tourism background and know all the details of this business, you can build your online community specializing in religious, cultural, spiritual and sight-seeing tours for elders. You don’t need to have a big company as you can simply make a community on social media platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp.
13. Bed and breakfast services
Do you have a few extra rooms in your house? Would you like to host people? You may want to make a small investment in sprucing up your house to welcome families or couples who are looking for homestays. You can list your house with online portals (for example, Airbnb) and charge a commission per booking.
14. Direct sales/ network marketing
Companies are selling a whole range of products using direct sales. This often requires you to attend initial training sessions on selling and their products, followed by weekly meetings with your colleagues and upline manager. This business also grows from word-of-mouth publicity and trust-building.
15. Turn your hobby into a business
Are you good in photography, painting, or home décor? Utilize these skills to make money – just a little training along with the industry updates, can help you get you started. If you can reliably showcase your expertise, you will be doing what you love in no time while also earning money.
Get the Ball Rolling
If you think you need to polish your skills, take an online class or watch Youtube tutorials. Your main aim should still be to enjoy the bliss of retirement while doing what you love.
Seniority Pvt Ltd serves a wide range of products catering largely to the senior community. The products are specially curated keeping in mind the comfort and independence of senior citizens. From lifestyle to general wellness, these products aim at making the day-to-day life of the elders easy and hassle-free.
