An increasing number of people are opting to ease themselves into retirement by winding down and taking on a less demanding role rather than stopping work abruptly. Whether they need the money to boost a modest pension or simply want to keep active and engaged, a period of 'pretirement' has become the new normal for many people in their 50s, 60s and 70s, according to research by Prudential. We take a look at 25 low-stress 'bridge' jobs that are ideal for 'pretirees'.

The first option pretirees have of course is to simply carry on doing their existing job on a part-time basis. Depending on how flexible their employer is, or isn't, pretirees may to be able to tailor their hours around hobbies and activities, getting a feel for retirement while working on the side.

The next option for pretirees is to quit their full-time, permanent job and consult on a part-time, self-employed basis specialising in their field of expertise, be it management, IT, PR, sales or whatever. That way, they can pick and choose when and where they work, cutting out a lot of stress.

Bookstore roles, especially in independent stores rather than big chains, are perfect for retail professionals with an interest in reading who'd like to swap a fast-paced environment for something less hectic in the run-up to retirement.

Another low-stress role for bookworm pretirees, working in a peaceful library shelving books and answering queries from members of the public can be a godsend for someone who is accustomed to a pressurised, noisy workplace.

Army or law enforcement officers who are looking to do something less taxing yet fulfilling during their pretirement might want to look into personal safety instructor roles. Teaching the public self-defence skills is rewarding and doesn't involve the danger of active service or working on the beat.

Private tutor roles can offer qualified teachers and other skilled professionals a stress-free pretirement. Prepping students for exams one-on-one or in small groups is nowhere near as demanding as trying to educate a class of 30+ unruly kids.

Staying with education, pretirees can also take a course to teach English as a foreign language and embark on a career as a TEFL teacher. Qualified TEFL teachers can choose to teach small groups, and get to travel the world using their skills, which is great for pretirees with itchy feet.

Pretirees can use all the knowledge they've acquired over the years about their local area or nearby tourist magnet to act as a guide. These roles tend to be part-time and seasonal, making them suitable for pretirees who don't want to work all year round.

Accountants who want to quit the rat race without giving up work entirely may want to try their hand at income tax preparation for self-employed individuals and small businesses. This home-based role is rarely busy or stressful, apart from those few days before the tax deadlines.

Many small businesses require bookkeeping services from time to time. Pretiree accountants or those with bookkeeping skills can offer their services on an ad-hoc basis, and work part-time or seasonally if they wish.

Yoga is suitable for any age group, and it's not uncommon for yoga instructors to qualify in their 60s and beyond. The teacher training courses can be pricey, but they pay off handsomely in no next to no time, and teachers can work on a freelance basis as and when they choose.

Working in banking and finance can be brutal and the working days tend to be extra-long. Ditching the permanent full-time job and setting up as an independent financial adviser who can work part-time is a route many bankers and finance experts go down before they retire.

Secretaries or PAs with killer admin skills can reduce their workload and stress levels pretirement by setting themselves up as a virtual assistant. Working from the comfort of their own home, these remote freelancers can pretty much work when they like and don't have a boss breathing down their neck.

Working in an overstretched hospital or clinic can be tough pretirement, so many nurses and healthcare workers opt to care for patients in their homes before they give up work forever which, while less frenetic, can be equally challenging and rewarding.

Fighting for patients' rights and making sure they get the treatment to which they are entitled is another pretirement option for nurses or older people with an interest in advocacy. Various organisations offer courses and certifications in advocacy for those who are new to the field.

Unlike childminding in a nursery, babysitting tends to be less stressful and can involve a lot of time sitting around watching TV while the child or children are in bed. No wonder so many pretirees choose to start up babysitting businesses before they quit work for good.

Pretirees who enjoy driving can join the gig economy and freelance for Lyft or Uber, or work for a more traditional taxi company, depending on their skills and experience. The work can be stressful but pretirees benefit from the flexibility of the role.

Depending on where they live, pretirees can make a tidy income as a movie or TV extra. Living near a studio helps, but movie and TV crews often film on location and cover accommodation and expenses.

Lawyers and other legal experts who want to wind down their careers before retirement can turn to legal writing from home. The work, which consists of formulating legal documents, is well-paid and can be undertaken in their own time.

Pretirees can put their years of driving to good use and train to be a driving instructor. Again, the role tends to be freelance and therefore super-flexible, though the patience of a saint is of course required to do the job.

A fantastic way to keep fit, dog walking is ideal for pretirees who like dogs and want to do something energetic before they retire for good. Plus, the work tends to be part-time, freeing up plenty of time for recreation and relaxation.

Charities are always crying out for paid fundraisers, and older people with sales and marketing skills are particularly sought-after. Fundraising is a great way of making money and giving back to society, and many charities offer fundraisers the option of working from home.

Green-fingered pretirees with years of gardening experience under their belt might want to consider turning pro. Gardening is a brilliant way to keep fit at any age and pretirees who charge competitive rates for their services can make a small fortune.