What jobs for 60+ year olds?

Jobs that aren’t computerised?! Wtf? People in their 50s and 60’s have likely been using computers since they first became mainstream in the workplace in the 1980’s (if of course they do office work etc).

People being ‘older’ in their 50/60s doesn’t mean their brains shrivel up and they become incompetent idiots who should be relegated to certain non-computerized jobs that some people are spouting on here. There is some awful ageism and ignorance on this thread (and no, I’m not in the age bracket OP refers to either).

The point everyone is missing is that a wider solution needs to come.

The government can't allow unemployment on that scale. It would result in low taxes being paid, benefits being paid out and the economy crashing which isn't sustainable.

I'm interested to know which specialities are automated?

maymadness I really enjoy it. I don't have a science background but used to work in food manufacturing which has transferable skills.

How exactly can all desk jobs be automated? I have a desk job that involves alot of human input, logic and management.

Also i'm in my 30's wheras most of my colleagues are in their 50's/60's...

@TizerorFizz jobs that are not computerised? Are all us over 60's trembling technophobe too scared to touch the computer? I think you'll find most of us have been using computers in the work place for at least 25 years 🙄🙄

I'm an employment solicitor. There are certainly elements of my role like drafting contracts that AI can take over but ultimately my role is really assessing what my client presents to me and making a judgment call on whether they will win or lose, or advising them what to do next taking into account a longer term strategy. AI isn't (currently) capable of this and as long as human beings remain as Employment Judges then this part of my role isn't going to go.

It's the admin/support staff of law firms who are becoming superfluous. My firm only has two support staff for 20 solicitors because our case management software is so sophisticated now we rarely need assistance. I.e. don't retrain as a legal secretary with a view of doing that in your older age!

Headteachers are often 50+ and some into their 60’s. ( tho realise you can’t suddenly train to be one).

Neighbours locally:
work in hospitality (events)
MD of a wood company
Estate agent (own business and working for an EA, including conducting house viewings)
Work at the museum
Beautician
Teacher
Director in a large military engineering company ( UK division, company based in Amsterdam.
Eduction Adviser
Director of Education (LA)
Accounts Manager (foods)
Senior Food Scientist

The more I think about it, the more I don’t understand your question.

They do the range of jobs they’ve trained for, that they have always done.

Or they have retired ( one teacher now works for an events company) just to have a less pressured role.

It’s absolutely a concern when you think that many people are paying mortgages until retirement age and may still have dependant children into their late 50’s so have to continue to earn at the same rate as they did in their 30’s and 40’s when well paying jobs were more readily available to them.

Lawyer here. AI is changing the legal field, might result in fewer roles but there will be an increase in roles using and understanding AI, but absolutely not going to replace all the human lawyers. Sorry 🤣🤣

Haha I'm am 56 so not far off 60 plus. Why do you think I can't work with computers? I'm an excel whizz and have worked with computers and learnt different systems as an accountant all my life!

Exactly!! I'm 60 this year, I've been using Photoshop for years to create designs for my Etsy shop. The Internet has been a god send for me, as I have a spinal condition and meant I could give up retail work and have online shops instead. I'm too tired to go back into the work place, I've been working since I was 17, there's no way I could do care work or cleaning. It's too physically demanding for many older people. I think more computer lessons would help many.

Online customer service. Go do all the free Hubspot or Zendesk training, there is loads online. It's a sitting down job for those who can spell well.

Sound interesting. How did you get into it, qualifications, area if the country?

I started a new job in my 60s. I am part of a team who make vaccines. Granted, I am the oldest trainee but no one cares because I am judged solely on my work and rightly so.

NHS and school admin is computerised with data feeding into national databases.

I work in insurance. We are quite active in recruiting people in their 50s and 60s for customer facing roles. Pay is not bad and camaraderie is good. Long time on the phone though. With some training as well companion roles for dementia sufferers pays OK and is quite good work- find a patient who has the same interests of you and the work can be really good.

People aged 60 plus don't just disappear in my sector (NHS management). They keep on working. Some may go part time if they are able to. Others do retire early (NHS pension kicks in for certain people). But the majority just carry on.

I think that it would be brilliant to have more older people working in primary schools as TAs and classroom helpers. Especially given our relative lack of multigenerational living now, kids don’t get relationships with grandparents as much and vice versa, it would definitely benefit both parties. Obviously funding these roles is an issue.

All our school bus drivers seem to be late 50s/60s+, some of them do the school runs to also supplement their pensions. They work for a local taxi company but only do the school runs (small minibuses).

@Llhvj Some law work might go but representing someone in court? Probably not. Also AI cannot accurately replace a conversation with a solicitor. I’d be expecting to continue with a legal career.

I do get that people use computers but I was referring to work being done by the computer! Not operating a computer programme. Also many people will have to stay fitter! Plenty do manage to.

I dont know longer term but a
as jobs become automated, I think the further you are in your career the longer you will be able to remain in work. You are more likely to have some of the soft skills that only come with experience e and nuance that are harder to replicate.
I think the issue will start with younger people not able to get those first rung jobs which will go first.

In terms of physical work people need to succession plan. If you are a plumber you need an apprentice to do the physical stuff, but you still oversee/sign off and perhaps have the client base, branding etc to sell on to them.

My Mum is 71 and still works 45 -50 per week in a care role for people with learning disabilities. She is pondering retiring in a few years, but maybe not it is a physical job but she keeps going. She is amazing.

apparently all desk jobs will be automated.

Don't be ridiculous.

Why would HR and law jobs be 'swallowed by AI'? I think you have swallowed some scaremongering bullshit!