Why and How to Make Eldercare* Your Next Career

As the world’s population ages, eldercare and healthcare are booming, offering some of the most stable, meaningful, and futureproof career opportunities available.

If you’ve been following FutureProof You, you know we love eldercare as one of our favorite growth industries. Life expectancy in both developed and emerging economies is increasing rapidly. Services and products are needed to serve this massive demographic, which is like a runaway train speeding down the tracks, except it's already here.

Global life expectancy will reach 77 years by 2050. Image from UN

According to a recent report from Goldman Sachs, the aging population is not a risk to the global economy; rather, it’s fueling innovation, demand, and job creation across a wide range of parallel industries, which is why there is an * next to Eldercare in the title of this post.

Now is the perfect time to explore roles in eldercare and the many industries that support healthcare. Here’s how to make your move using the #DANOMethod:

1. DISCOVER a niche or growth industry.

Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector in the U.S. and abroad, with elder care at its core. But the opportunity doesn’t stop with hands-on, direct care roles. The demand for services like assisted living, home health care, geriatric care management, and telehealth is surging. 

A rising tide lifts all boats, as the saying goes. Here's just a few examples of roles that support Eldercare:

There's even franchise opportunities. Gregory Simons, Timothy Randall, Gregg Balbera made the pivot from Wall Street to Eldercare by becoming franchisees.

In fact, the term "Agetech" encompasses all the technology focused companies that serve the elder community. And the outlook for Agetech, according to World Economic Forum, is very bright. 

TheGerontechnologist.com created a handy market map which lists companies in the Agetech industry.

These industries are growing rapidly, offering a wide range of roles for people with backgrounds in logistics, technology, hospitality, finance, and wellness. The best part about many of these roles is that they require a human who can bring empathy and kindness, not just provide the service or product.

2. APPLY your transferable skills.

You don’t need to be a clinician to succeed in elder care or its supporting industries. Many skills from other fields are highly valued. All you need to do is translate the skills for the industry you are targeting.

• Project management: Overseeing care plans, managing schedules, or implementing new health technology or initiatives
• Customer service and communication: Supporting patients, families, and clients
• Technology proficiency: Managing electronic health records, telehealth platforms, or smart home systems
• Sales and marketing: Promoting healthcare services, senior-focused tech products, or wellness programs
• Education and training: Teaching patients, families, or staff about health management and wellness

Learn the vernacular of the target industry you want to pivot towards, which will help you…

3. NETWORK your ass off.

Networking is your direct path into these new fields. This takes time, but in person networking is a more effective way to connect deeply, than just networking virtually.

• Revise your LinkedIn profile that shows your intent to pivot and connect
• Create content on the target industry
• Attend industry events and webinars focused on elder care, healthcare innovation
• Volunteer or shadow at clinics, senior centers, or non-profits to meet professionals
• Join professional associations such as the American Geriatrics Society or local healthcare networks
• Connect on LinkedIn with professionals in your target roles and ask for informational interviews

Show your passion and commitment to service in every conversation. It will resonate with people you meet in person or digitally, because these industries value those who care.

4. OVERCOME your fear of change and pivot every 4-5 years.

Change can be hard, but it’s also your greatest ally. Here’s how to overcome fear and keep your career fresh:

• Start small: Take an online course in elder care, or volunteer a few hours a week
• Seek mentors: Find people who made a similar transition and learn from their experience
• Focus on impact: Every role in elder care, healthcare, and supporting industries makes a real difference in people’s lives
• Embrace lifelong learning: New growth industries are always popping up. So, stay curious and keep upskilling.
• Share your experiences and learning: It’s the best way to cement what you’ve learned.
• Repeat the process: Every 4-5 years, revisit the DANOMethod. Discover new trends, apply your growing skillset, network into emerging specialties, and quickly embrace new opportunities.

Pivoting your career into eldercare doesn’t have to be in a hands-on role. Supporting the aging population is a collaborative effort across many industries. Everyone can bring transferable skills and empathy. Use the #DANOMethod to discover your path, leverage your strengths, and build a truly futureproof career.

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