Find Part-Time Work, Stay Mentally and Physically Fit, and Eat Well on a Budget

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For many retirees, part-time work is less about money and more about staying engaged, useful, and connected. The best approach is to focus on roles that match your natural strengths and the pace of life you want now — not the one you had during your career.

Community-facing roles are often the most welcoming because employers value maturity, steady communication, and dependable follow-through. Libraries, local museums, hospitals, parks departments, visitor centers, churches, and schools regularly hire part-time greeters, clerical support, gift shop attendants, event helpers, and class assistants. These roles usually offer predictable hours, light physical activity, and opportunities to interact with others without the pressure of a fast-paced workplace.

If you prefer quieter or more independent work, tutoring, caregiving/companionship visits, and hobby-based teaching (gardening, crafts, music lessons, or language conversation groups) are steady, low-barrier options. Many retirees also do well by “turning something they already help others with” into paid work — such as pet care, seasonal organizing, proofreading, bookkeeping, or errand support for neighbors.

If you’d like help finding flexible roles that fit your schedule — especially options that are vetted and low-pressure — you can browse screened listings and, if you choose to subscribe, access member resources through FlexJobs. It’s a simple way to explore opportunities without committing before you’re ready.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. The right job often comes from the right introduction.

“The Broken Swing”
From the life overview of Margaret T., 82, Albany, NY. Shared with permission.

The swing in our backyard had been there long before I was born. Its ropes were frayed, and splinters were visible on the corners of its wooden seat. My father used to push me gently, his hands warm on my back, and I’d squeal with delight as I soared higher than I thought I could. That creaking sound of the chains became the soundtrack of my childhood summers.

Years later, I had children of my own. I painted the swing bright red, patched the ropes, and watched my kids fly through the air with the same exhilaration that I’d felt decades earlier. One afternoon, a storm rolled in suddenly. Wind had whipped violently through the trees, breaking the swing mid-flight. My daughter fell on the grass, laughing with that reckless, fearless abandon that only children can manage. I rushed over, feeling my heart inside my throat. However, she just hugged me and said, “It’s okay, Mommy. It’s still fun!”

Now, the swing sits unused for long stretches. But sometimes I climb onto it alone, testing the ropes with careful hands, feeling the wood beneath me and smelling the wet earth and cut grass. I close my eyes and remember all the summers, the laughter, and the small thrills that felt enormous.

That swing taught me something I didn’t expect: that joy often comes tangled with risk, and it’s the imperfections—the frayed ropes, the broken boards—that make the ride unforgettable.

***

The Midlife Chrysalis
Produced by the Modern Elder Academy, this podcast features insightful conversations about life transitions, resilience, meaning and purpose—especially relevant for thoughtful adults navigating later stages. Each episode invites you to reflect and engage with ideas about wisdom, growth and self-discovery rather than treating the passage of time as a decline.

Hillsdale College Online Courses
Hillsdale provides a collection of free video-based courses on topics such as art history, politics, literature and America’s constitutional heritage—with no cost and no enrollment pressure. For those who appreciate courses with a clear focus, solid presentation, and an invitation to thoughtful consideration.

Explore.org Live Nature Cams
Offering real-time views of wildlife and wild places—from Alaskan brown bears fishing for salmon to peaceful ocean reefs—Explore.org provides an intimate connection to the natural world. The livestreams are unhurried and unscripted, inviting quiet observation and a sense of calm presence that feels both grounding and restorative.

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Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, having good antivirus protection is one of the easiest ways to prevent viruses, scams, and hackers from ruining your day. Here’s what to know—and how to stay one step ahead.

If you use Windows, make sure Microsoft Defender is turned on—it’s built in and updates automatically. For Mac, Apple’s XProtect does the same quietly in the background. Both are free and strong enough for most users.

If you’d prefer an added layer of security, Bitdefender Antivirus Free is easy to set up, and runs quietly without slowing your computer. Whichever you choose, make sure updates are automatic and that you only use one antivirus at a time.

Other key habits go a long way:

If you’re comfortable customizing settings, you can take antivirus protection a step further.

Antivirus tools work best when paired with attention: keep your software current, scan regularly, and stay cautious with links and downloads. The goal isn’t paranoia—just confident protection.

Cruise deal of the day: 5 Nights Eastern Caribbean Cruise - departing November 15, from $218

Unmissable American gem: San Antonio, Texas, enchants senior travelers with its gentle climate, walkable River Walk lined with cafés and shops, rich Spanish colonial history, and a welcoming pace that blends culture, comfort, and charm.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Western saga centered on the Cartwright family’s ranch.

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