Older Women Are Essential to Addressing Global Workforce Shortages: Find Opportunities in the Purpose Economy

Women in the Purpose Economy

Older Women Mentoring Younger Women

Across the globe, economies are contending with a growing workforce crisis. In this respect, women over 50 are largely untapped, experienced talent with the potential to reshape the global workforce. Their lived experience, interpersonal skills, and commitment to community are precisely what is needed in the “purpose economy,” where social and environmental impact are as important as profitability.

The Hidden Power of an Overlooked Workforce

In many societies, older women have long been sidelined by assumptions that undervalue their capabilities. However, research shows that older women bring immense value to the workforce, including:

• Decades of work and life experience

• Strong communication and empathetic mentorship abilities

• Emotional intelligence and leadership across complex environments

• Resilience in the face of adversity

Furthermore, older women are often deeply embedded in their communities and understand local challenges. Whether it’s caregiving, education, climate resilience, or small business support, their insights are valuable in designing solutions that are aligned with the purpose economy.

The Purpose Economy Is Growing and Welcoming

The “purpose economy” refers to the ecosystem of creation, innovation, and production that is focused on solving social, environmental, and systemic challenges. It spans sectors such as renewable energy, social enterprise, elder care, inclusive education, sustainable agriculture, health equity, circular fashion, and mental wellness to name a few.

Older women can thrive in this economy by leveraging their strengths, values, and passions. Many are already doing so by starting businesses, volunteering, mentoring, or pivoting into meaningful second careers.

Some key areas where opportunities are expanding for older women include:

1. Health and Care Work

   With aging populations worldwide, there is an increasing need for compassionate caregivers, health educators, and peer support facilitators. Older women often bring empathy, cultural understanding, and caregiving experience that enhance care quality.

2. Sustainability and Climate Action

   From leading community gardens to advocating for clean energy and climate-resilient cities, older women can be powerful voices and leaders in local climate initiatives. Worth noting is that their caregiving roles results in a deep commitment to sustainability.

3. Education and Mentorship

   Many schools and community programs lack experienced educators and role models. Older women can fill this gap by teaching, tutoring, or mentoring youth, particularly in underserved areas.

4. Entrepreneurship and Microbusiness

   Starting a purpose-driven business-whether a sustainable business, wellness coaching, or a social enterprise can offer flexibility, autonomy, and meaning. Platforms are emerging to specifically to support women entrepreneurs over 50 with funding, training, and community. Watch for the launch of the Engaged Thinking Fellowship program to launch in late 2025 and early 2026.

   
   

5. Civic Engagement

   Older women can help shape policies and practices in areas such as housing, transportation, healthcare, and digital access. Their lived experience and public trust make them ideal citizen leaders, board members, and advocates.

   
   

6. Innovation

   The lived experiences of older women suggests outstanding opportunities to engage women in product and service design for the purpose economy-including circular design and business model innovation supportive of women across the value chain.

Finding Purpose-Driven Opportunities: Where to Start

For older women looking to re-enter the workforce or pivot to purpose-driven roles:

• Start with your values. Reflect on causes you care about-be it climate, community health, education, or economic empowerment to seek and/or craft roles aligned with these values.

• Tap into networks. Join women’s circles, local purpose-driven business groups, or online platforms like Encore.org, The Transition Network, or Coralus, which focus on impact.

• Upskill for purpose. Explore free or affordable courses in sustainability, nonprofit management, community health, or digital tools including those found on Coursera and offered by local post-secondary institutions.

• Volunteer strategically. Start with part-time or volunteer roles in areas of interest to gain experience, meet people, and test new opportunities.

• Consider hybrid work. Many purpose roles offer part-time, project-based, or remote work which are ideal for balancing personal and professional needs.

• Embrace storytelling. Highlight your life experience. Recraft your resume or LinkedIn profile to emphasize social impact, community involvement, and your passion for purpose.

A New Narrative for Purposeful Work and Aging

In a time when economies are asking, “Where are the workers?”, the answer exists in valuing those who have long been dismissed. The purpose economy offers older women a unique chance to lead, shape, and contribute meaningfully while addressing some of the most urgent challenges of our time.