# Greying Gig Economy Neo-Boomers both want and need to keep working, but on their own terms. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 29, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/greying-gig-economy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Greying Gig Economy trend? **Greying Gig Economy:** Though the gig economy is mostly associated with a younger consumer, high levels of Neo-Boomers and Gen XS are participating in this movement as well. Services, platforms and events support this growing trend. ## The consumer insight behind the Greying Gig Economy trend Although many in this age category are approaching retiring age, many experience a need to keep working for either financial or psychological reasons. That said, for many, flexibility, freedom and empowerment are the cornerstones that form the foundation of the gig economy. These values hold true for older demographics who are equal participants in the social shift towards entrepreneurship and autonomous working. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 15 to Jul 16, 2019 - Published: Jul 29, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Greying Gig Economy trend ### Boomer Entrepreneurship Baby Boomers are increasingly participating in the gig economy and entrepreneurial activities, driven by values of flexibility, freedom and empowerment. ### Older Gig Workers More companies are catering to the needs and desires of older gig workers, offering opportunities for short-term, contract work that leverage the experience of retirees. ### Boomer Health & Wellness Coaching Businesses are offering tailored health and wellness coaching services to baby boomers who seek to find harmony in their personal and professional lives. ## What the Greying Gig Economy trend means for industry ### For Gig Economy Platforms Gig economy platforms can create a more inclusive community by catering to the needs of older gig workers by offering shorter-term, contract work opportunities. ### For Event Planning There are opportunities to plan or host entrepreneurial events or networking opportunities that are catered towards baby boomers and retirees looking to start their own business or find work in the gig economy. ### For Personal Development Coaching There is a growing need for businesses to offer personalised health and wellness coaching services to older adults who seek to find balance and harmony in their personal and professional lives. ## Workshop question How could you better maximize the experience and enthusiasm of older employees on your team? ## Trend signals for Greying Gig Economy Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 27%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Greying Gig Economy trend 5 featured examples from Jul 15 to Jul 16, 2019. - [Boomer-Honouring Hiring Policies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/older-staff): For His Bar-Restaurant, Kim Diaz Puts Emphasis on Older Staff (Category: Special) Implication: The restaurant industry can benefit from hiring older staff who can bring exceptional customer service, work ethic, and professionalism to the team. - [Entrepreneurial Networking Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entrepreneurial-networking-event): Bay Area Residents Can Take Part in These Boomer-Focused Events (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for event planning companies to organize boomer-focused entrepreneurial networking events. - [Boomer-Backed Lifestyle Coaching](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linda-clay): Linda Clay Began Her Business in Her 60s After She Was Laid Off (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the wellness industry by offering personalized coaching services and resources to help individuals achieve work-life balance. - [Budding Boomer Ghostwriters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/successful-ghostwriter): Judy Katz's Retirement Has Been Translated to a Successful Ghostwriter (Category: Business) Implication: Publishing companies can tap into the boomer ghostwriter trend by offering opportunities and platforms for experienced professionals to showcase their writing skills. - [Boomer Gig Economy Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boomersplus): BoomersPlus Pairs Retirees with Businesses Looking to Hire (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The human resources industry can take advantage of the retiree employment trend by developing initiatives to attract skilled and experienced retirees. ## Recent trend clusters - [Keepsake Countdowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-countdown-gifts) (Business) - [Format Flexing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workout-energy-formats) (Lifestyle) - [Package Play](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/promotional-food-packaging) (Marketing) - [Affinity Sailings](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-travel-experiences) (World) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)