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More and more seniors are taking the plunge and becoming tech-savvy. In fact, many of them have found ways to turn their computers into lucrative businesses.
And why not? Today's seniors have witnessed some of history's most amazing technological advances. They've seen cars go from being functional machines to being rolling computer systems they can operate by voice command. They've seen 8-track players turn into MP3 players, black and white televisions turn into digital monsters, and basic kitchen gadgets that suddenly need to be programmed.
So why would we think they couldn't adjust to computers and the internet as well?
Computers offer the elderly a way to communicate with distant loved ones and friends. They can find entertainment, companionship and information. With less time constraints, seniors can actually dedicate themselves more to learning about computers.
For those who are pretty much homebound, the internet can be a lifeline to the world. But it is for so much more than just connecting with old friends or melting the brain with endless games.
The elderly have a lifetime of skills and experience to share. And there is a high demand for their knowledge and abilities. Here are just 3 ways in which the elderly can share what they have to offer, while making a little extra cash:
And why not? Today's seniors have witnessed some of history's most amazing technological advances. They've seen cars go from being functional machines to being rolling computer systems they can operate by voice command. They've seen 8-track players turn into MP3 players, black and white televisions turn into digital monsters, and basic kitchen gadgets that suddenly need to be programmed.
So why would we think they couldn't adjust to computers and the internet as well?
More Time More Opportunity
For those who are pretty much homebound, the internet can be a lifeline to the world. But it is for so much more than just connecting with old friends or melting the brain with endless games.
The elderly have a lifetime of skills and experience to share. And there is a high demand for their knowledge and abilities. Here are just 3 ways in which the elderly can share what they have to offer, while making a little extra cash:
Writing Online for Income
Whether they have advice, tutorials, opinions, or just really great stories to tell, there are many outlets online for elders who can turn a good phrase. They can write for their own blog, or use self-publishing sites such as Hubpages and Bubblews.
If they have experience or education with market value (i.e. investment, accounting, healthcare, teaching, etc.) then they might find their niche working at microtasks on places such as Fiverr. Plus, there are always writing contests and magazines looking for great writers.
Maybe they would prefer writing reviews. There are many places that pay for reviews, either with cash or with coupons or incentives such as free samples.
Lastly, the elderly are brimming with interesting stories and life experiences. Do they have a story about overcoming hardships, dealing with issues such as caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's, traveling the world after retirement? If so, maybe they could publish a book, and share their knowledge and experiences with others.
Images are incredibly important to the online world. Everyone needs quality photos to use for online blogs and articles. Those photos have to come from somewhere. If your loved one likes to use a camera, then they might have a lot of fun creating and selling stock photos online.
This hobby can be a bit more expensive, requiring an investment in a good digital camera and some knowledge of photo editing programs. However, once they are set up, there is no more overhead, since digital photos don't require the cost of development. In fact, they can take and download thousands of photos to a computer.
Some sites that buy stock photos include:
Payment, as with article writing, varies depending on site policy, and what type of license the photographer chooses. Some sites pay more per sold photo if you are a paid member of the site. Everytime someone purchases a photo, you receive a royalty, which means that photos submitted years ago can still draw passive income.
You can help your loved one get started by suggesting a few subjects that people need or love to see in images:
Sometimes it can be hard for writers, blog owners, websites, and artists to find good stock photos of objects or scenes that are more difficult to find. If they don't have a way to take their own photos, then they buy a stock photo that matches what they are writing. Some subjects that are covered may include:
A little set-up goes a long way toward successful photo sales, so if your loved one is really interested in this hobby, you might help them find great online tutorials for creating quality photos, and how to use everyday items as photo props.
This is also a great opportunity for socialization, they may get some wonderful photo opportunities from attending events such as dances, parties, socials, church bazaars, etc.
If you want to skip selling via a stock photo company, sites such as FineArtAmerica provide a service where photographers and artists can sell prints of their works. Membership is free, and photos can be sold on a variety of items as well as on prints.
Not writing or photography? How about arts and crafts? If your loved one enjoys making things with his or her hands, and is capable of doing so, then they can still make money online!
Etsy is a huge site where people can sell handcrafted goods. These can range from crocheted hats to hand-stamped invitations, from wooden birdhouses to baby quilts.
This can be a terrific solution for the person who is unable to set up and sell their crafts at booths and bazaars. It does require some overhead and ongoing expense though, so if your loved one is unable to get out much on their own, make sure you are available to help them shop for supplies and make trips to the post office.
For those who are more into art than crafts, there are places to sell digital scans of artwork as prints. FineArtAmerica is an excellent place for those who enjoy creating classy pieces of art in traditional mediums. Zazzle is a an option for those who have a little tech savvy and would love to see their art appear on calendars, coffee mugs, etc.
Many seniors, especially those that have to be cared for by their families, can become depressed if they feel like they are losing both their independence and their sense of purpose. Some may be okay with hobbies, but others may want to still feel as though they are contributing to society or to the family income.
Although no one gets rich overnight online, with time and dedication, anyone can build up a nice income while at the same time enjoying the social aspect of online business. Even if nothing more than a few pennies is earned, the opportunities to meet new friends is limitless.
If they have experience or education with market value (i.e. investment, accounting, healthcare, teaching, etc.) then they might find their niche working at microtasks on places such as Fiverr. Plus, there are always writing contests and magazines looking for great writers.
Maybe they would prefer writing reviews. There are many places that pay for reviews, either with cash or with coupons or incentives such as free samples.
Lastly, the elderly are brimming with interesting stories and life experiences. Do they have a story about overcoming hardships, dealing with issues such as caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's, traveling the world after retirement? If so, maybe they could publish a book, and share their knowledge and experiences with others.
Selling Stock Photos Online
This hobby can be a bit more expensive, requiring an investment in a good digital camera and some knowledge of photo editing programs. However, once they are set up, there is no more overhead, since digital photos don't require the cost of development. In fact, they can take and download thousands of photos to a computer.
Some sites that buy stock photos include:
- Fotolia
- Dreamstime
- Shutterstock
Payment, as with article writing, varies depending on site policy, and what type of license the photographer chooses. Some sites pay more per sold photo if you are a paid member of the site. Everytime someone purchases a photo, you receive a royalty, which means that photos submitted years ago can still draw passive income.
You can help your loved one get started by suggesting a few subjects that people need or love to see in images:
- Nature shots (birds, sunsets, butterflies, flowers, trees, storms, rivers, etc.)
- People
- Animals
Sometimes it can be hard for writers, blog owners, websites, and artists to find good stock photos of objects or scenes that are more difficult to find. If they don't have a way to take their own photos, then they buy a stock photo that matches what they are writing. Some subjects that are covered may include:
- Health (pills, medical equipment, hospitals, ambulances, medical professionals, fitness equipment, etc.)
- Homes and neighborhoods (for real estate or home DIY blogs/articles)
- Food and cooking supplies
- Events
- Electronics
A little set-up goes a long way toward successful photo sales, so if your loved one is really interested in this hobby, you might help them find great online tutorials for creating quality photos, and how to use everyday items as photo props.
This is also a great opportunity for socialization, they may get some wonderful photo opportunities from attending events such as dances, parties, socials, church bazaars, etc.
If you want to skip selling via a stock photo company, sites such as FineArtAmerica provide a service where photographers and artists can sell prints of their works. Membership is free, and photos can be sold on a variety of items as well as on prints.
Selling Arts and Crafts Online
Etsy is a huge site where people can sell handcrafted goods. These can range from crocheted hats to hand-stamped invitations, from wooden birdhouses to baby quilts.
This can be a terrific solution for the person who is unable to set up and sell their crafts at booths and bazaars. It does require some overhead and ongoing expense though, so if your loved one is unable to get out much on their own, make sure you are available to help them shop for supplies and make trips to the post office.
For those who are more into art than crafts, there are places to sell digital scans of artwork as prints. FineArtAmerica is an excellent place for those who enjoy creating classy pieces of art in traditional mediums. Zazzle is a an option for those who have a little tech savvy and would love to see their art appear on calendars, coffee mugs, etc.
Help The Elderly Help Themselves
Although no one gets rich overnight online, with time and dedication, anyone can build up a nice income while at the same time enjoying the social aspect of online business. Even if nothing more than a few pennies is earned, the opportunities to meet new friends is limitless.
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