Business Ideas For Senior Citizens [2024]
Navigating the golden years doesn't have to mean slowing down; it could be a time for exciting new ventures. If you're a senior citizen with an entrepreneurial spirit, there are countless opportunities designed specifically to support your strengths and interests. By leveraging your experience and the growing needs of your peers, you could find fulfilling ways to contribute and thrive.
In this article, we explore 27 business opportunities that cater to senior citizens. Whether you're looking to start a small business or join a part-time venture, these options could help you stay active and engaged. From offering specialized services to participating in community projects, the possibilities are both practical and rewarding.
Taking the leap into a new business might seem daunting, but it's never too late to try something different. These opportunities could provide not only financial benefits but also a sense of purpose and community connection. Read on to discover how you could turn your skills and interests into meaningful pursuits.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other senior citizen businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is an excellent way for senior citizens to supplement their income by sharing expertise and engaging with a passionate community. By identifying an underserved but profitable niche—such as cooking, fashion, or film reviews—you could provide valuable and unique content that resonates with your audience. As you grow your following, monetization opportunities through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and event speaking could emerge, offering a new source of income and fulfillment.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could leverage your years of experience and knowledge in a specific area and share it with a community that values your insights.
- Blogging offers a flexible and low-cost way to start a business, allowing you to work from home and on your own schedule.
- Engaging with your blog followers could not only build a network but also provide you with a sense of purpose and connection in your senior years.
For more tips on starting a niche blog, you can explore how much they make on niche blogs.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Are you looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. By selecting a topic you're passionate and knowledgeable about, and creating compelling content that draws traffic to your site, you could develop a reliable source of passive income through avenues like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.
Why starting a niche website?
- You could leverage your lifelong skills and passions to create engaging, targeted content.
- It offers a flexible schedule and can be managed from anywhere, making it perfect for a relaxed retirement lifestyle.
- Once established, a niche website could generate ongoing passive income with minimal maintenance. For more insights, check out some success stories of niche websites.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be the perfect way to supplement your income as a senior citizen while sharing your expertise, passions, or hobbies with a global audience. With potential revenue streams such as ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, this venture offers both financial and personal fulfillment. Whether you're interested in creating how-to guides, educational content, or just entertaining viewers, the platform is versatile and full of opportunity.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires commitment to planning, shooting, editing, and engaging with your audience regularly. While mastering video SEO and social media marketing might be necessary, the payoff can be incredibly rewarding. To see some inspiring success stories and tips, check out this page.
Why starting a YouTube channel?
- You could share your unique knowledge and experiences, benefiting others while doing what you love.
- The flexibility allows you to work at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.
- There's significant potential for financial rewards through multiple revenue streams like advertising and sponsored content.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business presents a fantastic opportunity for Senior Citizens to leverage their life-long skills and experiences into a profitable venture. By turning your knowledge into educational content, you could supplement your income or even establish a full-time business. The e-learning market is booming, with projections to exceed $645 billion in the coming years, making it an ideal time to share your expertise with the world.
All you need to do is identify a skill you are passionate about—be it cooking, music, or web design—and create online courses targeted at a specific audience. With numerous online learning platforms available, selling your course can become a passive income stream, requiring only initial effort for potentially long-term rewards. Check out these success stories in online course sales.
Why consider an online course sales business?
- You could monetize your expertise. Transform your skills into online courses and earn passive income for years.
- It's a flexible opportunity. Create and sell courses at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.
- Rewarding experience. Teaching others a new skill is both fulfilling and satisfying.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
5. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a fantastic venture for senior citizens looking to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business. The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that can be enjoyed by listeners online, making it a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing. With minimal investment in basic recording equipment and hosting platforms, and by choosing a niche topic you are passionate about, you could build a dedicated audience and potentially attract sponsors.
Why start a podcast?
- Leverage your life experience and wisdom to engage and inform listeners, creating content that resonates deeply.
- Enjoy a flexible work schedule, allowing you to record and produce episodes at your convenience.
- Create an additional revenue stream through potential sponsorships, ads, or listener donations without needing a significant upfront investment.
For more ideas and tips on starting a successful podcast, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
6. Start a lodging business
Starting a lodging business could be an excellent way for senior citizens to supplement their income or even build an entirely new venture. With platforms like Airbnb and VRBO making it easier than ever to rent out rooms or entire properties, seniors can leverage their homes to generate extra revenue. You could also provide personalized hospitality, creating meaningful interactions with guests and enriching your daily life.
Why consider starting a lodging business?
- Flexible work hours allow you to manage the business on your terms, perfect for balancing with retirement life.
- Utilizing existing assets like your home reduces startup costs significantly, making it a low-investment opportunity.
- Owning and operating a lodging business could offer a rewarding experience, as you'll meet new people from various backgrounds regularly.
7. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could be an excellent avenue for senior citizens to supplement their income, make extra money, or even establish a main business. By investing in properties, managing assets, and securing profitable deals, you could tap into one of the most consistent and lucrative sectors. Moreover, the experience and wisdom you've gained over your lifetime could lend itself well to the strategic planning and detailed market analysis required in real estate investment.
Why start a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate has the potential for significant profit margins due to property appreciation and rental income.
- You could leverage your life experience and knowledge in negotiations and financial planning to make strategic investment decisions.
- The real estate market provides opportunities to diversify your income streams, offering both active and passive revenue possibilities.
For inspiration and practical tips, check out some success stories in the industry here: /ideas/real-estate-investment-firm/success-stories.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
8. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform could be an excellent way for senior citizens to supplement their income and build a viable side business. With the explosion of interest in alternative asset classes like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, and real estate, a custom-tailored online exchange can attract a highly engaged community of specialized investors. Utilizing modern technology, you could create a transparent trading ecosystem, providing transaction fees and premium subscriptions as recurring revenue streams.
For instance, by focusing on a platform that deals in fine wine or up-and-coming athletes, you could cater to a passionate audience looking for asset diversification amid volatile stock markets. This niche approach not only provides financial stability but also the satisfaction of building an exclusive user base that values your platform's unique offerings. Learn more about the opportunities and steps to succeed in this business by checking out Niche Investment Platform Success Stories.
Why consider starting a niche investment platform?
- You could leverage your expertise or passion. Focus on a niche you are passionate about to create a unique and engaging platform.
- Potential for recurring revenue. Through transaction fees and premium memberships, a niche platform can offer steady income.
- Cater to underserved markets. Provide a unique solution that fills a gap in conventional investment options, attracting a dedicated and loyal audience.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business as a Senior Citizen could provide a flexible and low-risk way to supplement your income or even build a new primary revenue stream. This business model allows you to capitalize on dropshipping production and fulfillment services, meaning you wouldn't need to manage inventory or make large upfront investments. By utilizing platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience with your custom-designed products, whether they be apparel, home goods, or other merchandise.
Why consider a print-on-demand business? - It offers minimal startup costs and eliminates the need for inventory. - You could run the business entirely from home, offering flexibility and convenience. - The opportunity to monetize your creativity could make the venture both fulfilling and profitable.
For more detailed guidance and success stories, you might want to explore print-on-demand business success stories.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Whether you're looking to supplement your retirement income or start a new venture, affiliate marketing presents an appealing opportunity for senior citizens. This business allows you to earn money by promoting products or services from other companies, earning a commission for each sale you drive. It's a flexible way to generate revenue online and can be adapted to fit your existing lifestyle and interests. Learn more about the profitability of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit you here.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- Low startup costs: You could get started with minimal financial investment, making it accessible for those on a fixed income.
- Flexibility: Work from the comfort of your home and set your own hours, making it easy to manage alongside other commitments.
- Passive income potential: Once set up, your affiliate links can continue to generate income indefinitely, providing financial stability over time.
By leveraging your interests and knowledge, affiliate marketing could become a rewarding and sustainable side business.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Are you looking to supplement your income, make extra money, or start a new venture? Consider an AI-based business solution. Utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline business operations is not only innovative but also opens up a realm of possibilities for enhancing efficiency and decision-making. You don’t need a background in technology to get started; many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support.
AI solutions can automate routine tasks, analyze data for valuable insights, and even predict market trends, making your business more competitive. The demand for AI is rapidly growing, presenting a golden opportunity for Senior Citizens to dive into a high-impact industry without a steep learning curve. For more information on profitability and marketing ideas for AI-based businesses, visit Starter Story.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- With AI, you could improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.
- AI provides valuable customer insights, helping your business stay competitive.
- The growing demand for AI solutions makes it a lucrative market to explore.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a rewarding venture for Senior Citizens who want to supplement their income while making a positive impact. With a growing interest in personalized fitness and nutrition plans, as well as mental well-being exercises, you could create an all-in-one platform that serves as a virtual coach. This not only offers an engaging way to stay active and informed but also taps into a lucrative market.
Building this app will require some initial market research, collaboration with health experts, and a good app development strategy. However, it holds the potential to improve lives and turn your passion for health and wellness into a thriving business. If you're tech-savvy and eager to help others live healthier, this could be your perfect entrepreneurial path. Learn more about the opportunities and challenges in starting a health and wellness app here.
Why consider creating a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your life experience to provide valuable insights and tips, making the app highly relatable for users of all ages.
- This business model benefits from recurring revenue through subscriptions, providing a steady income stream.
- As a Senior Citizen, you could build a platform that encourages intergenerational health, promoting wellness for both young and old alike.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
13. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for Senior Citizens to supplement their income or even create a new full-time venture. Subscription box businesses are in high demand, providing customers with a curated set of niche products each month. This model allows you to leverage years of experience and deep knowledge in a specific interest area, whether it’s gourmet food, collectibles, or crafts, to offer valuable and exclusive content to your subscribers.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could capitalize on a niche market by delivering specialized, high-quality products that you’re passionate about.
- Subscription models generate recurring revenue, providing consistent income with each billing cycle.
- The business can often be managed from the comfort of your home, making it a flexible and convenient option for retirees.
For more detailed insights, you can explore successful strategies and ideas on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
14. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be an excellent way for Senior Citizens to supplement their income and make extra money. With the right photography gear and some practice, you could build a portfolio of high-quality images and earn a passive income by licensing them to businesses for marketing purposes. This venture allows you to flex your creative muscles while staying flexible with your time and location, making it a feasible and enjoyable endeavor.
Why consider a stock photography business?
- The demand for stock photos is high, offering a great opportunity to earn consistent income.
- You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it a perfect fit for a leisurely retirement lifestyle.
- Building a stock photography portfolio allows you to pursue a creative passion while monetizing your efforts.
For more information on starting a stock photography business, visit this page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
15. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Starting a lead generation tool as a Senior Citizen can offer a fantastic opportunity to supplement your income while leveraging your experience. This business idea involves creating a software application or platform that identifies and captures potential customer leads for other businesses. Imagine automating the often laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on conversion instead.
With the demand for efficient lead generation at an all-time high, businesses of all sizes are eager to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. If you're tech-savvy and have an eye for marketing, developing a lead generation tool could be your next profitable venture. For more insights and examples, you can check out this page on Starter Story.
Why consider developing a lead generation tool?
- You could turn years of business acumen into a marketable product that helps companies succeed.
- The demand for effective lead generation solutions is growing rapidly, ensuring a wide market.
- Working on a software-based project allows you to work from anywhere, providing incredible flexibility.
For more information on the potential costs and strategies for starting a lead generation tool business, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
16. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
Starting a web scraping API is a smart opportunity for senior citizens to tap into the growing need for streamlined data access. This business allows you to provide essential tools that help companies automate the tedious process of data collection, thereby saving time and resources. With your experience and commitment to quality, you could carve out a niche market and potentially expand as demand grows.
Learn more about starting a web scraping API.
Why consider starting a web scraping API?
- This business allows you to harness your knowledge and experience in coding and web protocols to offer high-value services.
- The demand for automated data collection solutions is increasing, making this a thriving market with numerous opportunities.
- It allows for flexible, remote working conditions, which is ideal for maintaining a balanced lifestyle while still earning an income.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
17. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning a brilliant idea into a mobile app offers Senior Citizens a fantastic way to supplement their income or start a new business venture. Creating a mobile app requires a clear vision, some basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. By focusing on planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and thoroughly testing for bugs, you could create an app that attracts users and generates significant revenue. Click here for some success stories to get inspired by others who have embarked on this journey.
Why start a mobile app business?
- Mobile apps have become an integral part of everyday life, offering immense opportunities for innovative solutions.
- With dedication and the right strategy, your app could gain significant traction and generate substantial revenue.
- It's a chance to turn your ideas into useful tools or entertaining platforms that millions might use daily.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
18. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be a smart move for senior citizens seeking to supplement their income or venture into a new entrepreneurial path. With the growing need for consistent social media engagement, small businesses and influencers alike are on the lookout for services that can help them manage their accounts efficiently. By offering tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could significantly impact their social media presence while enjoying a flexible work schedule from the comfort of your home.
Why start a social media automation business?
- High demand for services: Companies and influencers need consistent social media engagement, presenting a growing market opportunity.
- Utilizes tech skills: If you have a knack for technology and marketing, this business leverages those skills in a meaningful way.
- Flexible work environment: Operate your business from home, allowing you to set your schedule and pace.
For more details, consider checking out some tips for starting a social media automation business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
19. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for senior citizens looking to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business. WordPress is an essential platform with a vast ecosystem, and plugins are integral to enhancing its functionality. By developing plugins that address specific needs, you could tap into a consistent stream of passive income.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- Your life experience gives you unique insights into common problems, enabling you to create valuable solutions.
- You could work from the comfort of your home, setting your hours and pace, offering a flexible schedule perfect for senior citizens.
- The potential to sell on platforms like CodeCanyon or your site (how to start a WordPress plugin business) makes market entry easier than ever.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
