Seniors Turn to Gig Work to Supplement Retirement

Unretired Americans find flexibility and social connections in app-based jobs, but face financial challenges

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a set of car keys, a smartphone, and a pair of reading glasses, symbolizing the tools and technology used by seniors in the gig economy to supplement their retirement income.The rise of 'unretired' seniors turning to gig work reveals the financial pressures and desire for flexibility and social connections driving this trend.Plainview Today

A growing number of Americans over 50 are 'unretiring' and taking on gig work through apps and digital platforms to supplement insufficient retirement savings and rising living costs. Retirees like Stu Goldberg, Barbara Baratta, and Baruch Schwartz are finding flexibility and social interaction in jobs like driving for Uber, walking dogs, and doing laundry for clients, but also face issues like lack of benefits, unpredictable income, and job-related expenses that eat into their earnings.

Why it matters

As Americans are living longer, many are finding they need to work past traditional retirement age to fund their extra years. Gig work provides a way for unretired seniors to stay active, earn supplemental income, and maintain social connections, but the lack of protections and unstable pay can create financial challenges.

The details

Stu Goldberg, 74, with a Ph.D. in neuropsychology, drives for Uber at night to supplement his income after his retirement plans didn't pan out. Barbara Baratta, 72, a former pediatric nurse, walks dogs and cares for pets through the Rover app to stay active. Baruch Schwartz, 78, was a wedding photographer until the work became too physically demanding, and now drives for Uber and Lyft, feeling a sense of purpose in helping others. These seniors appreciate the flexibility of gig work, but also face issues like unpredictable income, lack of benefits, and job-related expenses that can eat into their earnings.

  • Goldberg began driving for Uber after retiring from his software and telemarketing company.
  • Baratta signed up with the pet care app Rover in 2018 after retiring as a pediatric nurse.
  • Schwartz started driving for Uber and Lyft after his wedding photography work became too physically demanding.

The players

Stu Goldberg

A 74-year-old with a Ph.D. in neuropsychology who drives for Uber at night to supplement his income after his retirement plans didn't pan out.

Barbara Baratta

A 72-year-old former pediatric nurse who walks dogs and cares for pets through the Rover app to stay active in retirement.

Baruch Schwartz

A 78-year-old former wedding photographer who now drives for Uber and Lyft, feeling a sense of purpose in helping others.

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What they’re saying

“I like the freedom. I like the flexibility. I like meeting people. I like that most of the time I can get, once or twice a day, a good conversation with somebody.”

— Stu Goldberg

“I get my steps in and do hill climbing.”

— Barbara Baratta

“I feel like I'm on a mission.”

— Baruch Schwartz

What’s next

As more seniors turn to gig work, policymakers and companies may need to consider ways to provide better protections and benefits for this growing segment of the workforce.

The takeaway

The rise of 'unretired' seniors taking on gig work highlights the financial challenges many face in funding their longer retirements, as well as the desire to stay active and socially engaged. While gig work offers flexibility, the lack of benefits and unpredictable income can create new hardships for this population.