Redefining the Second Chapter of Life: How Older Women Are Using Life Experience to Drive Social Change and Find New Careers

Older women finding new careers in the purpose economy

In a world facing complex challenges, older women are emerging as changemakers. With years of lived experience and a renewed sense of purpose, women are stepping into leadership roles across sectors. Many women over 50 are redefining the concept of retirement, channeling their knowledge and energy into driving positive change.

Older women bring a deep understanding of community, interpersonal relationships, long term and critical thinking—qualities often developed through parenting, caregiving, their careers, and volunteer experiences. These experiences equip women with strong communication, organizational, empathy, and mentoring skills that are essential for leadership.

Career Pathways in Social Change

There are numerous paths where older women are making a difference:

• Social Entrepreneurship: Launching mission-driven businesses or nonprofits. The Encore Fellowships for example matches experienced professionals with social impact organizations to boost the capacity of non-profit organizations. The goal is to bring together older and younger people to co-create and jointly solve problems.

• Community Development: Working at a local level or community associations to address issues like housing, food insecurity, or access to healthcare.

• Education and Mentoring: Serving as mentors in schools, vocational programs, or incubators for youth and women.

• Environmental Advocacy: Engaging in citizen science, community gardening, or leading sustainability campaigns.

• Policy and Advocacy: Running for office, joining policy think tanks, or supporting inclusive and equitable policy development.

Networks and Communities of Support

Connecting with like-minded women can amplify impact. Here are some networks tailored for older changemakers:

• The Women’s Connection: A community of professional women 50+ seeking meaningful engagement.

• Elders Action Network (EAN): Mobilizes older adults for environmental and social justice.

• The Transition Movement: Transition groups are the heart of the Transition Movement. They are made up of local people who come together to drive change. Groups can focus on practical projects like community gardens, repair cafés, or local food initiatives, or broader issues such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, or education.

• Women for Climate Action: Several global networks exists to champion women in the climate action space.

• Digital Support: Their smart platform connects entrepreneurs with volunteer business professionals for free 1:1 and small group mentoring and personalized business support.

• Ashoka’s Changemakers: Provide resources and networks supporting the creation of social impact ventures.

Joining these networks not only offers emotional and strategic support but also opens up funding, training, and visibility opportunities.

Training Opportunities to Re-Skill and Up-Skill

Older women often pursue new credentials to adapt their skills to social change fields. Options include:

• Coursera & edX: Offer online courses in social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and sustainable development.

• The UN SDG Academy: Free courses on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

• Local universities and community colleges: Many offer discounted or free continuing education for seniors.

• Climate training platforms: Offer training across climate skills including sustainability analyst, climate consulting, climate policy, ESG and data analytics.

Conclusion

Older women are uniquely positioned to lead social transformation by blending lived experience with a renewed sense of purpose. Whether launching businesses, mentoring youth, or championing sustainability, age should not be a barrier—but indeed a catalyst for change. By tapping into networks, pursuing new learning, and aligning their passions with social needs, women are shaping a more equitable and compassionate world as they write the second and third chapter of their lives.