Over 60? These Are the 11 Best Side Hustles for Earning Easy Extra Cash

It's getting harder for Americans to retire, and the economy is seeing an increase in people over the age of 60 needing to work. Those who know their Social Security benefits won't cover the cost of living can consider seeking out additional forms of income — and side hustles are a good way for older generations to bring in extra money each month.

Whether you're approaching your golden years and want to boost your retirement savings or you're already retired and want to get back to work, here are some of the best side jobs to consider pursuing.

If you're a bookworm, translate that passion into extra dollars by offering proofreading services. General purpose freelancing sites like Upwork or Fiverr allow more control over what you accept, but companies like Proofreading Services can be more reliable. Applicants will need to pass a proofreading test, but can expect to be paid $28 an hour on average.

If you have experience taking photos for things like weddings or family portraits, photography could be a fitting side hustle for you, especially if you have a professional-level camera. Stock photography sites like Adobe offer are easier for beginners to access, although you won't have control over how often their stock images are purchased.

Freelance writing pairs well with additional income streams, as it can provide inconsistent or sporadic pay. If you've got a knack for the written word, many news sites have submission guidelines for contributors and freelancers that outline their requirements and the process for accepting new articles.

If you have a love for history and culture, being a museum docent could help you tap into that passion. They help museums by giving educational tours and assisting visitors with exhibits. Getting started is as easy as checking local museum websites for availability and requirements.

If you enjoy grocery shopping, signing up for Instacart as a shopper can be a simple way to earn money while getting out and about. All you need is a bank account, a vehicle, and a smartphone (plus the ability to lift up to 40 lb). This is great for people who would like flexibility to work hours of their own choosing.

Third-party restaurant delivery platforms offer flexible hours through apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash. Drivers must have a strong driving record, a vehicle, a smartphone, and pass a background screening check. This is great for people who love being behind the wheel and would prefer minimal social interactions.

If you've got a talent for kitchen chemistry, that could be a great source of additional income. Traditional options would include participating in farmers markets or craft fairs, but independent bakers are increasingly using social media to sell directly to local consumers. Taking pictures of your edible creations and posting them with local groups will often result in commenters willing to buy.

Do you have an extensive flower garden? You could monetize that hobby by selling floral arrangements and bouquets. This can be done directly to your local neighborhoods in social media apps, but local shops may also be willing to partner with hobbyists for pre-made arrangements.

An educational background could open doors to substitute teaching as a side hustle for additional income. Many districts can be contacted directly for opportunities, but agencies like Kelly Education, Carney Sandoe & Associates, or ESS Education can facilitate more opportunities to be recruited to different local districts and private schools. Most schools require a degree and teaching license before accepting new substitutes.

Younger generations don't always like talking on the phone, which you could work from home as a customer service representative. Those who have the gift of gab and prefer a structured work schedule are a great fit for phone-based customer service. These roles are often filled through a traditional application process, and job postings can be found on sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.

Have you ever wondered how theaters and movie studios collect data? Certified Field Associates is a third-party mystery shopping company that pays people to go to the movies and screen sneak previews and trailers, as well as gather patron attendance numbers. While these gigs don't have particularly large payouts, they do transform the movie-going experience from a cost into an income.

Transitioning into retirement age can be stressful for those who are not financially prepared, and finding work as an older adult can be challenging. 

Side hustles and gigs can help take the edge off of fixed income concerns, or allow pre-retirees to add more padding to their retirement savings. And finding an extra stream of income that's also compatible with your lifestyle can help remove stress as you prepare for retirement.