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Jobs for the over 60s
Are you over 60 and looking for a new job? Are you worried that your age might narrow down the field of opportunities, or be an issue when going for interviews? This article looks at the types of roles that might suit you – and how to land them.
Whether they’ve retired or not yet, many people are looking for jobs and career opportunities for the over 60s.
The good news is that jobs for people of these ages are plentiful and employers are increasingly recognising the value that mature workers can bring to their teams and businesses.
Equality laws mean that it’s illegal for companies not to hire someone for a job purely because of their age, so you should have as much chance of landing a good job as anyone else – if not more, thanks to your life experience and past career.
Best jobs for seniors over 60
You should be able to apply for most types of job, depending on your skills and experience, but there are certain roles that are might be more appealing to older workers.
To narrow down the field, take time to think about what you want from your new job. Would you be looking for part-time hours or flexible working? How much would you want to earn? Do you enjoy working with people, managing queries and talking to the public, or do you prefer to work on your own?
Finding the best jobs for 60 + year olds is actually not really about your age. Much more important are your skills, work experience and interests. Think about your life achievements and things you can talk about in a job interview to highlight your aptitude for a role.
For example, if you’re a keen gardener, you will add a lot of value to customers in applying for a job at a garden centre. Or if you’ve worked in a customer facing role before you can bring those skills to any job dealing with the public.
How to find jobs for 60+ year olds
It’s pretty simple to find job vacancies in your local area. While it’s tempting just to Google “part time jobs for over 60s near me” – it’s more effective to use a job website.
Most job websites make it easy to narrow down available roles by job type, location, full time vs part-time and industry sector. Try not to be too specific in what you look for at first, so that you get a good sense of the kind of jobs out there and what might suit you. If there are hundreds to trawl through, use the search filters to reduce the list.
When you find a job that you think might suit you, just click the ‘apply now’ button. You will usually need to complete a few details and attach a copy of your CV. Worried about ageism? Check out our tips to avoid age discrimination on your cv.
How easy is it to find part time jobs when you are over 60?
The ease of finding suitable jobs for mature workers depends on the type of job you’re interested in doing. If it is part time work you are looking for as you would like to ease back from full time work, then certain sectors often have more part time opportunities, including retail, healthcare, education and the public sector.
It may also depend on where you live in the UK. If you’re not having much luck finding part time roles which suit you on the general job websites, take a look at sites that are more focused on job opportunities for mature workers, like workingwise.co.uk. At workingwise all the employers advertising their jobs are open to applications from older workers.
The other option is to apply for a full time job that matches your skills and experience perfectly, and ask whether part-time working might be an option. You have nothing to lose!
Also bear in mind that flexible jobs might be another appealing option for you. Flexibility can take lots of forms, and more companies than ever are advertising their flexible working policies and options so it is worth investigating.
Finally, if you need a refresher on typical interview questions, these tips should be useful.
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Comments [26]
warren kinder says:
i worked part time for Amazon, delivering with my own vehicle. After a year, i had to get my own “top up” to include hire and reward. There is not one insurance company that will insure me because of my age. So much for age discrimination.
Stephen Burge says:
I have been applying for the last 2 weeks and have made over 80 applications for all types of jobs. So far I have had just 2 interviews, my other 81 applications were rejected within 48 hours via e-mail.
I am a very experienced BDM, Account manager, General Manager, and Sales executive and I have worked within a wide range of industries
hari rupani says:
am Hari Rupani Iwould like to do job My age is 60 but am still find fitt hard job full time to care Oldage parents in Uk London serve them just like my parents and love them this decisoion taken only my son stying in uk and take care for him as well as oldages homes am not gready of money only would like to do best karam and serve old parents
Stevej says:
I went for an interview after much rejection due to my age. They asked me “where do you see yourself in 5 years” and a massive snigger went around the room. Sorry it’s impossible to find any work so as I’m deemed a “fit and proper person” without any convictions ever, I became a driving instructor. Work is hard to get but it can be rewarding but sometimes frightening
Christine Wainwright says:
I’ve applied for higher grade roles 6 times in the last 6 months and turned down for each one. I have experience and knowledge I’d like to share but I feel my age, 62, is holding me back. Unfortunately i can’t prove it. When I told my manager I was inclined to resign, all she said was, what kind of job are you looking for! She knows I’m stuck on the treadmill in my current role.
Peggy says:
I’ve worked in different jobs. have had many certifications. Especially in the health care sector. I’m looking for something that I won’t be bored has great pay! I need a change and remote would work. I would like something as a Healthcare Customer rep.
Noelene Fernandez says:
I am 67 , female and have experience in public relations as an airline stewardess, and public relations executive in a five-star hotel. I have experience in organizing tours and transportation . I write in my spare time and have two novels on the market.
Michael O'Shea says:
I am 63 and back in 2010 I was made redundant from a reputable Architect in Glasgow, this after the market crash in 2008 and I have thus far been unable to find a job.
Applying for almost 4 years, I decided to give up and now rely on my wife for support, which is as expected, quite depressing, a kind of “useless” feeling, almost as if I am no longer capable due to the responses I received in that 4 year period.
I still have the same “go” in me and although after being in the Architectural and Engineering fields my whole life.
Karen says:
I am 60 years old. for 13 years I have been employed within the Health and Social sector. I am interested in working nearer to my home. I am interested in working from home. I am up-to-date with ongoing online courses within the sector I worked and have current certificates to support my abilities on a number of work levels.
Malcolm Spinks says:
There is without a doubt age discrimination in the employment of those within a certain range age. When I have been delivered the news “sorry on this occasion” I challenge the organisation that I applied to and ask within the framework of Freedom of Information for the organisation to give me a copy of the interview notes and scoring also Information on the age range of those who were hired. I feel strongly about this issue and it really needs investigating further by the government. There needs to be more transparency in the recruitment area and I am looking further into the barriers older people face when applying for work
Ely Ane Santo says:
Love this !
It is true , i don’t look my age ,i am fit and capable to do the jobs i applied for, some were group calls on Zoom including charities , i could see clearly the preference for the young ones .
I was told by someone at the job centre that is because they pay less for them , what is also not fair .
They write all those lies at the end of the job offers no discrimatiin , all ages , any gender etc unfortunately is just a lot of pretending .
Really sad indeed.
Veronica says:
Couldn’t agree more Malcolm. I’ve retired now, but some years ago I attended an interivew with a well known housing association. The guy interviewing me was looking through the window for most of the interview, so much so that I asked him if he was OK! I had all the skills and experience required for the job. I later did an FOI request and despite 35% of the applicants being over 50, all 5 posts were offered to 20 – 38 year olds. Their excuse was the other candidates scored higher than me – of course they did – the interviewer probably listened to them!! Hope you’ve found a suitable role.
Susan Christine Lee says:
I am a retired accountant, moved to Scotland a year ago, and want to find a part-time job, anything considered. I have applied to many and immediately I get back sorry on this occasion. i am very capable of learning how to adapt to new things, I am very fit for my age. The jobs I have applied to are all computerised, and as soon as i enter the assessment form 5 minutes later I get back the “sorry not on this occassion” who reads my application the computer!!! So annoying I feel I am on the rubbish heap.
DAVID SCOTT says:
l am very interested in part-time employment jobs close to Ascot, Berkshire and historically conducted commercial activities with clinical conditions Asthma, Sleep Disorders, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and have a detailed CV
tracey middleton says:
i am looking for home based work
Geoffrey Kirkby says:
I would like to change my career . I have been employed as a postman for over 40years outdoors with the public. I don’t drive, as many jobs require drivers. I have in the past trained as a works first aider. and an NVQ2 so I am willing to learn now skills.
Viewing your advertisement might be the opportunity I need.
Linda Irving says:
Hi Lorna!
I am 62 and took early retirement from HSBC in 2013 after a 35 year career to look after my Mum and pursue my History degree. I graduated last year. I have had interviews with English Heritage and The National Archives (which is where I really want to work), but haven’t been successful in securing a position yet. Most companies use the ATS system (Applicant Tracking System), which screens applicants for interview. I have been on a couple of employability courses which have helped me to understand how to apply for jobs and get through to the interview process. Strive Training is excellent. May be worth checking for free employability courses in your area. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to finding a job, though ageism is hidden I’m afraid, albeit illegal. Given that I am responding to your message 7 months after you wrote it, I hope that you have managed to find work by now. I just keep applying for jobs that I think I am suitable for. One will turn up.
Russell Schoeman says:
I can relate to the comment from Lorna Rodham (20 Sept). I have submitted numerous applications and rarely receive a response and believe my date of birth on the application immediately ends the process.
I moved to the UK 18 months ago to care for my aged step-father who is 90 and resident in Grantham. I have a permit to work, but at 63 am likely seen to be well past my ‘best before’ date. I am starting over at an age when others are considering retirement.
Fortunately, I am in excellent health and still quite capable of physical work. I am currently working long hours on minimun wage having taken the first paying job that arose to ensure an income. But the search for a more favourable opportunity continues.
Carol Phillips says:
Incredible….our stories are the same. I too returned from abroad to assist my elderly mother. At 64, I am working full time in education at the minimum wage just to get by. I am, by profession, a graphic design consultant but at my age, there is no hope to get back into that industry.
Julie says:
There are jobs out there. I work for a company who mainly employed people aged over 55. Most people I work with are age 65-70
Marjorie Green says:
Can you give details of the company please Julie, and what sort of work is available?
Brian says:
This is Brian from the North West of England and I propose to retire next year (2025).Most of the people making comments about applying for a position after or on Retirement seemingly are dejected and disappointed about their failure to find a ‘New’ job.
Where are these jobs that you are talking about?
I fear I am going to be in the same position after I take the plunge even though I have worked constantly since the age of 16 and still have a good friendly attitude!!!
Alex Bennett says:
I’ll be 64 this year and for the last 20 years I have been working as an English Teacher in China. At my age it is no longer possible to get a Work Permit in China, so I will need to return to the UK. I will miss China, but have little option. I also write and so far have had only two short stories published here in China. Once back in the UK, I would be grateful for any advice regarding work and further pursuing my writing works.
Many thanks. Please tell me more about the company. Many thanks
Lorna Roddham says:
After being made redundant in December at 64 years old I’ve spent 8 months applying for jobs part time and full time.
I spend hours each day applying for jobs and most companies don’t bother replying.
After 48 years working in retail I thought I might at least get an interview
I truly believe its down to age ,I could retire in just over a year,and I’m sure employer’s must take this into account.
Jackie Stacey-Littleales says:
Jobs for over 60’s
Mr M Quigley says:
My age does not bother me having been engaged in the Martial Arts for 20 years +
and still training every day my fitness levels are high have no intention of retiring and wish to continue working in the self employed sector for the next 10 years and actively looking for work in this sector have some professional and current certifications to confirm my abilities on a number of levels