Age doesn’t matter when you are online. It’s one of those obvious truths that somehow hit me between the eyes recently. If you are wondering how you can stay productive as you age look to the online possibilities.
You can do many online activities in your 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond!
It’s the ultimate never retire strategy.
Basics First
If the whole online scene seems a little foreign to you let’s take a look at some basic skills.
Can you use a browser? The online world exists in browsers so get to know your browser and search engines. It does not matter if you use Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari. Learn how to get the most out of your browser.
You need to write. That means a word processor. You can use Microsoft Word (subscription based,) Google Docs (free,) or Libre Office (also free.)
Spreadsheets aren’t just for financial gurus. Besides keeping track of money matters you can use them to track almost anything.
Want to reach the world through the Internet? That usually means a Website. While there are lots of web site builders out there it might pay to learn WordPress. WordPress is used by at least 30% of all websites on the Internet, far more than any other tool. Learning WordPress is not too difficult and there is lots of help on the Internet.
So how will you stay productive?
Spread your message, whatever it is…
Your own website or blog can be your speaker to the world. Whether you are sharing your hobby or ideas, a website or blog can be your way to share with the world.
You can learn stuff
There are thousands of ways to learn new things online. Many sources are free and many others are quite reasonable.
My personal favorite right now is Udemy. Many courses go on sale for about $10, and I’ve found most to be high quality. A rating system lets you know what others think of the courses. One great thing about online video courses is you can go back and re-watch anything that is not clear. Give online learning a try!
You can keep working or start a business
There are many jobs that you can do remotely. The interview is online. The work is online. The social interactions are online. I am writing this during the great pandemic of 2020. One of the lessons learned is that much work can be done remotely. And in many cases no one really knows or cares how old you are if you can do the work.
You can start a business online and no one knows or cares about your age. Your customer cares that you can deliver the goods!
Some businesses are close to regular jobs, but you work for yourself. Here are some examples:
Freelance writer
Content is everywhere on the web and there is always demand for more content.
Web Developer
Once you learn how to build your own WordPress websites you can build them for others. From there as you learn more technical skills the sky is the limit.
Virtual Assistant
As its name implies a virtual assistant works “virtually.” Once you learn some basic skills you can use them to perform work for small businesses and busy entrepreneurs.
Next you have a whole assortment of business opportunities. Here are just a few ideas:
Sell Stuff
You can start with all that extra stuff you have sitting around the house and maybe graduate to buying stuff and reselling the items at a profit. What comes to mind are those that buy antiques or similar items at yard sales and then sell them online for a profit.
Book Publisher
If you like to write why not publish your own book? Self-publishing through Amazon is becoming very common. You can earn royalties and possibly establish yourself as an expert, which can lead to all kinds of side businesses as a coach or consultant. And it can all be done remotely. Or maybe you can have others write the books and you market them. Others are doing it and again nobody knows or cares about your age.
Sell Your Photos
If you like photography and are good there are ways to sell the rights to use your photos online. Like writing, the Internet thrives on good photography.
As you can see there are opportunities all over the Internet and age is not a factor. You are limited only by your enthusiasm, work ethic, and imagination.
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