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The 10 Most 'Age-Friendly' Jobs
Flexible hours, work-from-home options make these roles good fits for many older adults
Tour guide is among 10 jobs the National Bureau of Economic Research says are the most "age friendly."
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More employers are recognizing the value older adults bring to the workplace. Research shows that “age-friendly” jobs — roles that come with flexible schedules, lighter physical demands or even options to work part-time or remote — are becoming more common across the U.S.
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) identified 10 jobs as particularly age-friendly, highlighting flexibility, autonomy and meaningful work—qualities many older adults value.
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Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s or beyond, and looking for extra income, a second career or ways to stay socially connected, these roles can help you find the right fit. Below are 10 practical options backed by research, plus free resources to help you take the next step.
Clicking on the “Find jobs” link will take you to current postings available in that field on Indeed. AARP and Indeed are collaborating to provide older adults with career services such as résumé help, interview prep and career coaching. Occupations without a link tend to be freelance or contract work and thus have fewer postings on the job board. All wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Tour and travel guide
- Median hourly wage: $17.63 per hour
- Find tour and travel guide jobs
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While these jobs can require a fair amount of walking and generally can’t be done remotely, they can be age-friendly because of the flexible hours. If you’ve spent years getting acquainted with the details and history of your city, nearby parks or museums, becoming a tour guide can be a fun, social way to turn that knowledge into income.
2. Reservation and transportation ticket agent
- Median hourly wage: $19.52 per hour
- Find transportation ticket agent jobs
While many people book their own travel online, there still are jobs for travel agents who can help customers plan trips and make reservations. These services can be especially valuable when airlines cancel flights. One perk of this job is that many companies offer employee discounts for personal travel.
3. Receptionist
- Median hourly wage: $17.23 per hour
- Find receptionist jobs
Reception roles exist in nearly every industry and typically require short-term, on-the-job training, with many positions emphasizing communication and organization over strenuous tasks. However, the number of jobs available in this field isn’t expected to increase much in the near future. Paid time off and light physical demands are some of the qualities that make these jobs age-friendly.
4. Advertising sales agent
- Median hourly wage: $29.55 per hour
- Find advertising jobs
These roles rely on communication, client relationships and a strength in sales. But most of the new jobs in this field are for internet and other types of digital advertising. That means you’ll need both the creativity to get customers’ attention and an understanding of where and how to find them online.
5. Secretary
- Median hourly wage: $22.82 per hour
- Find secretary jobs
This traditional office job has gained new energy in recent years by adding the option to work from home. Typical duties, such as scheduling, organizing documents and correspondence, are still the same. But options for remote or hybrid work can provide flexibility and give the job fresh appeal.
6. Human resources manager
- Median hourly wage: $67.32 per hour
- Find human resources manager jobs
“Job-hugging” — when workers choose to stay at their current roles rather than seek new opportunities — has contributed to a growing demand for human resources managers. These roles are essential in recruiting new employees and helping them acclimate to the workplace. HR manager positions are considered age-friendly thanks to their focus on meaningful work and opportunities for collaboration with colleagues.
7. Proofreader
- Median hourly wage: $23.46 per hour
Work is typically detail-oriented and can be done on a freelance basis, which means workers of all ages have flexibility and autonomy. While proofreaders do need to have an eye for detail, they do not necessarily have to have a degree or previous experience.
8. Insurance sales agent
- Median hourly wage: $29.02
- Find insurance sales agent jobs
Many roles focus on advising clients and building relationships. Insurance sales is one of the occupations on this list that offers some opportunities for remote work. And the demand for medical, automotive and homeowners’ insurance is consistent.
9. Business agent
- Median hourly wage: $40.82
Least Age-Friendly Jobs
The National Bureau of Economic Research report also identified the 10 careers that are least age-friendly. Most of the jobs on that list landed there because of the amount of physically demanding work they require.
The 10 jobs that are the least age-friendly:
- Concrete and cement worker
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Mason, tiler and carpet installer
- Tool and die maker
- Library technician
- Chemist
- Furniture and wood finisher
- Chemical technician
- Mixing and blending machine operator
Many business agents are lawyers because the job often requires them to serve as a legal stand-in for a business or client during negotiations. Their work centers on negotiation and client advocacy, making it well-suited for both contract positions and full-time staff opportunities.
10. Insurance claims adjuster
- Average hourly wage: $36.92
- Find insurance claims adjuster jobs
These jobs require good people skills and a knack for sifting through fine details to figure out what really happened in an accident and how much the insurance company should pay. It’s engaging work, though in some circumstances the caseloads can be demanding.
Where can I find companies committed to experienced workers?
See AARP’s list of companies that hire older workers via the AARP and Indeed career hub.
Also search for “jobs for older adults,” “jobs for 55 and older” or “jobs that hire senior citizens” on national job boards to surface suitable roles; just remember that federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and state protections apply if you encounter age-biased language.
Editor’s note: This article originally was published on February 16, 2023. The wage information and links to job postings have been updated.
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