As someone who hasn’t hit retirement age (but is closer than I’d like to admit), I’ve been keeping an eye on the job market in Indianapolis, an area of the country I know and love. Happily, the job market for senior citizens in Indianapolis is excellent. Add the fact that Indianapolis ranks among the top cities with low cost of living, decent home prices and other assets and you’ve got a great place for older employees to live and work.
If you are skeptical about the economic outlook and employment opportunities for older workers, I suggest you stop by the AARP website, located here:
www.aarp.org Click on the story about jobs for senior citizens and you’ll find some facts that point to an increased need for older workers, including a national brain drain, one that makes employers desperate for skilled and experienced workers.
Senior citizens are often the answer. Here are some top employers and jobs for senior citizens in Indianapolis:
Retail jobs for senior citizens in Indianapolis
This is one of the most popular types of jobs for older workers. One company, Meijer, routinely hires older workers for a variety of tasks, from greeting customers to helping answer questions, stock inventory, man the sales floor or help customer find items like clothing, groceries or household cleaning supplies. We actually have a friend who works at one of the Meijer stores and has been a longtime employee there.
Age group which is most appropriate for working at Indianapolis Meijer stores:
Since Meijer hires employees of all ages and job duties vary widely, there doesn’t seem to be any major restriction when it comes to age. Seniors who are 50 and even past 65 or 70 could work there. It doesn’t take much to be a greeter but the job offers an opportunity to see regular customers, get out of the house and provide useful information to customers. If someone had back or shoulder problems, a job helping to stock inventory or lift heavy items would obviously not work. However, Meijer offers many types of jobs.
Benefits for senior citizens working at Meijer stores in Indianapolis:
Meijer often gives employees such benefits as discount cards, health and life insurance for some part-time and full-time workers, paid time off, investment plans and even paid training (depending on the job).
How to apply:
Simply go to any Meijer store location in Indianapolis or apply online. To do so, start here:
www.meijer.com/Careers.cms
More retail jobs for senior citizens in Indianapolis
Another employer worth checking out is Global Gifts. While not a huge chain like Meijers, Global Gifts has appeal for those workers who like to work for a company that provides help to poor or struggling workers across the world. The company offers products made by small businesses or individual workers who are impoverished.
You can see the website here: www.globalgiftsindy.com/
There are a variety of jobs for senior citizens at the Global Gifts stores in Indianapolis. One advantage of these stores (besides the charitable mission) is the small size of each one. Each store sells ethnic foods, chocolates, holiday decorations, garden ornaments and musical instruments from around the world. The stores tend to be small, cozy and charming.
Age group which is most appropriate for Global Gifts:
Any senior citizen could work at Global Gifts because the company does an excellent job of adapting jobs to fit employee needs, They are focused on compassion, outreach to the community and charity.
Benefits for senior citizens working in Indianapolis at Global Gifts:
This would be a very rewarding job and would be particularly of interest to those who like to travel or are curious about other countries. Being willing to demonstrate the musical instruments and interact with curious customers who may not know about certain arts or crafts of various countries would be a desirable skill but one that is not necessary for employment. If retired, I’d love to work for the company, if only for the emotional fulfillment and sense of helping others – not just shoppers, but impoverished people who need the money so desperately.
How to apply:
In person or by calling (317) 879-9090
Global Gifts
1468 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Tutoring and/or teaching as a volunteer or paid aide is another job for senior citizens in Indianapolis
School districts are often desperate for experienced people who have been parents, grandparents or understand how to deal with children. An education degree is not necessary but a high school or college diploma is a plus. Although senior citizens could certainly contact the school district in their area of Indianapolis to find learning centers at schools and high schools in need of assistants, one possibility is the Learning Center at North Central High School.
Interested tutors should call (317) 259-5301 and ask for Lynn Slivka or the head of the Learning Center there.
Age group which is most appropriate for senior citizens interested in tutoring jobs in Indianapolis:
Experience counts far more than age. Patience, the ability to deal with students and personalities of all types and a basic knowledge of such subjects as English, math and other topics are important. In some circumstances, tutors need only supervise students to make sure they stay focused and on task. There are very few limitations and physical demands are few, unless students would get into a fight with other students. In that case, there is usually a security person on hand for backup.
Generally speaking, the job is fulfilling and not demanding. Any experienced parent or grandparent could handle the job, especially those who’ve weathered the trials and tribulations of helping with homework. Former teachers, of course, would be ideal candidates.
Benefits of tutoring or being a teacher’s assistant in Indianapolis public or township high schools:
Flexibility and the satisfaction of helping students do well in school.
How to apply for tutoring or teacher aide positions for senior citizens in Indianapolis:
Call your local school district. For those interested in jobs at North Central, call (317) 259-5301 and ask for the Learning Resource Center or The Learning Center.
North Central
1401 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 259-5301
Jobs for senior citizens in Indianapolis who like home maintenance, painting and household repair – or know about the subject:
For those who are the home maintenance or “fixer upper” types, Home Depot is another possibility. The store has a tradition of hiring senior citizens and workers have a chance to head particular areas of the store – such as kitchen supplies or home painting or wallpaper and tool departments.
Benefits of jobs for senior citizens at Lowes:
Possible discounts on home maintenance and other items. Possible health benefits may be available. Emotional benefits include the opportunity to share knowledge of home maintenance and tips with shoppers.
How to apply:
Go to Home Depot’s online site for more information at: www.homedepot.com or stop into a local store for more information. One possibility:
Home Depot
9555 N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46032
(317) 870-7680
Newspaper and independent distributor jobs for senior citizens in Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Star is often looking for newspaper delivery people and independent distributors. Hours may vary widely and most positions are part-time.
Physical requirements to be a newspaper carrier:
While many senior citizens can handle this job, having a car, being able to drive and also lift and carry relatively heavy bundles of newspapers is a must. For those who stay in shape, this job is not difficult and takes no additional skills other than the ability to learn a newspaper route. Most routes are by car, not walking. There are exceptions but you can specify which jobs you’ll take. Commitment to a time schedule is also a must.
Benefits of the job:
Exercise, a chance to know customers, holiday tips and a set paycheck. Customers may move or come and go but there is generally a minimum paycheck per week, with some variations, depending on the neighborhood.
How to apply:
Go to Indy Star.com or call(317) – 989-5392 and ask for the manager. You may be directed to a person in charge of the area near your home or neighborhood. Most distributors work near home to save on gas, when possible.
