6 Easy Online Side-Hustles Even Your Grandma Can Crush

6 Easy Online Side-Hustles Even Your Grandma Can Crush
Photo by RepentAnd SeekChristJesus / Unsplash

If Grandma can bake cookies, knit sweaters, or remind you to wear a jacket every five minutes, she can make money online. Seniors are cashing in from their recliners—no TikToks, no crypto, just simple side-hustles that actually work. Here’s how they’re turning free time into cold, hard cash.


TL;DR

Seniors are making an extra $500–$1,000 a month with these fun, easy side-hustles:

  1. Test Digital Products: Earn $10–$60/hour reviewing websites and apps with platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI.
  2. Language Partner: Teach conversational English or another language for $10–$30/hour on iTalki or Preply.
  3. Digital Mystery Shopper: Get paid $10–$25 per review to shop online through IntelliShop or MarketForce.
  4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Combine a love for animals with $15–$40/hour earnings on Rover or Wag!.
  5. Online Surveys: Share opinions for cash with platforms like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks.
  6. Rent Out Possessions: Earn $40–$150/month renting unused items on Fat Llama.

1. Test Digital Products (Grandma, the Tech Reviewer)

What It Is: Companies need feedback on their apps and websites. Who better than Grandma to point out that the font is too tiny or the buttons are confusing?

How It Works: Platforms like UserTesting and TryMyUI pay users $10 per test, which typically takes 15–20 minutes. With consistent effort, testers can earn $30–$60 an hour.

Real-Life Example:
Mary, a 68-year-old retired librarian, started testing digital products on UserTesting. In her first month, she earned $400 working part-time, allowing her to fund her gardening hobby. As she puts it, “I’m just sitting at home clicking around—I might as well get paid for it!”


2. Language Partner (Grandma, the World-Class Teacher)

What It Is: Grandma’s love for chatting and correcting grammar can now help people worldwide practice conversational English or learn a new language.

How It Works: Platforms like iTalki and Preply connect Grandma with students seeking one-on-one lessons. Rates range from $10–$30/hour depending on experience and language proficiency.

Real-Life Example:
John, a retired teacher from Texas, earns $1,000/month teaching English to students in South Korea and Japan through iTalki. His favorite part? Learning about other cultures while sharing his own. “It’s like traveling without leaving my home,” he says.

Source: The Penny Hoarder.


3. Digital Mystery Shopper (Grandma, the Undercover Shopper)

What It Is: Grandma becomes a secret shopper for online stores, evaluating their customer experience and providing feedback.

How It Works: Platforms like IntelliShop and MarketForce pay users $10–$25 per review. Grandma can complete a few assignments each week for $200+ a month.

Real-Life Example:
Margaret, 72, reviews two online shops weekly. In three months, she made over $600, which she used to spoil her grandkids. “It’s like shopping, but guilt-free because they’re paying me to do it,” she jokes.

Source: Investopedia.


4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking (Grandma, the Animal Lover)

What It Is: Grandma gets paid to hang out with dogs and cats. It’s like having a pet without the long-term commitment.

How It Works: Platforms like Rover and Wag! connect pet owners with caregivers. Grandma can earn $15–$40/hour by offering pet sitting, walking, or boarding services.

Real-Life Example:
Joan, a 75-year-old widow, walks dogs in her neighborhood through Rover. She earns $600/month while getting her daily exercise. Her favorite part? “Every day feels like a parade of puppies!”


5. Online Surveys (Grandma, the Opinionated Pro)

What It Is: Grandma loves sharing her opinions—now she gets paid for it.

How It Works: Platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks pay users $1–$5 per survey. With daily effort, Grandma can earn $50–$150/month.

Real-Life Example:
Nick, a 68-year-old retiree, completes surveys while watching his favorite game shows. He makes about $125/month, which he jokingly calls his “popcorn money.”

Source: The Scottish Sun.


6. Rent Out Possessions (Grandma, the Entrepreneur)

What It Is: Grandma’s attic treasures—like tools, cameras, or furniture—can earn her passive income.

How It Works: Platforms like Fat Llama let her list items for short-term rental. Users typically make $40–$150/month renting out items they don’t use daily.

Real-Life Example:
Ed, a 70-year-old hobby photographer, rents out his old DSLR cameras and lighting equipment on Fat Llama. He now makes $300/month, which he’s saving for a family vacation.


Why These Side-Hustles Work

These side-hustles are low-tech, flexible, and surprisingly fun. They’re perfect for seniors who want to stay active, supplement their income, and maybe even learn something new.

Summary

Seniors everywhere are proving age is just a number when it comes to making money online. From testing websites to walking dogs, these side-hustles are as simple as baking cookies. With platforms like UserTesting, Rover, and Fat Llama, Grandma can turn her free time into an extra $500–$1,000/month while doing things she enjoys.

So, what’s your excuse? If Grandma can do it, you can too. Start today!