Job roles ideal for an #AgeingPopulation

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics has revealed that there were 11.9 million UK residents who were aged 65 years and over in 2015 — a figure which means this age group represents 18 per cent of the nation’s entire population.

As more and more elderly people throughout the UK will be getting ready for or have already begun to experience their retirement years, award-winning stairlift manufacturer Acorn Stairlifts has provided this guide to just some job roles which are perfect for older citizens…

Customer service representative

Are you adept when it comes to using a computer? Have a knack for commuting over the phone or when using chat software too? Then a customer service representative could be just the role you’re looking for in your elderly years.

Wondering what you’ll be doing if you successfully land a job as a customer service representative? The role may see you answering questions related to billing, taking reservations for a company or troubleshooting any issues. What’s more, you’ll spend the majority of your time in the job sitting down — perfect if you have low mobility. Don’t be surprised if you have the chance to work from home in this role either, making the job even more accessible.

Opportunities in the education sector

There are many opportunities to dip back into the education sector when you get older. Your services could prove useful to all types of schools, for instance, as everywhere from preschools to elementary establishments and private schools are regularly looking to hire people as:

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

Adjunct professors are regularly being hired by universities and colleges as well. This role will see you teaching students about your area of expertise. Online programs are available by many higher education establishments now too, which eases the pressure a little by allowing senior citizens to teach from the comfort of their own home.

Department office assistants, librarians, student advisors and tutors are often needed at universities and colleges too. There’s even the possibility to branch out on your own and teach an ongoing education class at a senior center, a local community college or via an adult education program.

Sports coach

Eager to pass on your wisdom and knowledge to the next generation but also have a passion for a sport? Then there’s the opportunity to become a sports coach in your elderly years as well.

Extra money will obviously come your way once you begin coaching. However, being a coach is also great for senior citizens as it means they can remain active and the pursuit will provide them with the opportunity to work outdoors.

Consultant

Did you achieve an advanced degree and gain specialised experience in your sector during your years of employment? Then consulting may be a perfect career for you during your retirement years.

You should particularly take a keen interest in this role if you loved the role and the industry you were a part of during employment. This is because being a consultant allows you to make great use of your expertise, network and years of experience. From accounting to bookkeeping, and engineering to website development, these are all skills which can work in your favour as a consultant. It’s also an opportunity that’s available to so many people.

Whichever job piques your interest, take note that you can work on your own terms when you fill in a role during retirement. On top of this, a lot of companies will appreciate the unmatched experience that older workers boast.