The Commission on Population Development estimates that the Philippines’ demographic will be considered an aging population by 2030. This means the number of those aged 60 and above is expected to rise in the next five years.

An aging population could create challenges for both the workforce and employers, according to the World Economic Forum. But in Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, those considered senior citizens are already being embraced in its ranks.

68-year-old Apolinaria, or Narie as known by her peers, returned home to the Philippines in 2017 after eight years of working as a nurse abroad. Still feeling the high of a successful healthcare stint overseas, Narie wanted to continue her nursing career in the country.

She applied to several hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, but Narie was rejected everywhere she went due to her age. That was until Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, a healthcare business process outsourcing company, gave her an opportunity.

Recognizing her expertise, skills, and valuable competencies, Carelon hired Narie as a medical management nurse. Now, she gets to continue practicing her profession, albeit remotely, but still ensuring delivery of high-quality and cost-effective healthcare.

In the fast-paced IT-BPM sector, where, according to industry leaders, supply cannot seem to keep up with the demand for skilled talent, Carelon has tapped into a pool usually passed over just because of the year they were born.

“We have proven in our organization that age is just a number,” said Nicki Agcaoili, chief country executive of Carelon Global Solutions Philippines. “We have more than 20 senior citizen employees across various lines of business, from customer care representatives to medical management, and even in our leadership team.”

Efleda, 64, is also one of the more than 20 senior citizen employees in the company. She recounted how surprised she was to hear from a recruitment agency about working in Carelon.

“Initially, I was thinking that the agency was just trying to meet some kind of quota, that it would be a far cry for me to get hired because of my age. Lo and behold, this was the first hiring company that did not ask for my date of birth or my age,” she shared.

Carelon explained that it has no specific program or initiative to hire senior citizens.

“For us, it has always been an unspoken default to hire whoever was qualified. Since we have no age limitation specified in our profile, our process allows us to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” said Mary Ann Batallones, head of Talent Acquisition at Carelon Global Solutions Philippines.

Aside from its bias-free application process, Carelon also ensures a workplace culture and environment conducive to people of various gender identities, physical abilities, and ages.

This kind of environment and culture at Carelon was a turning point for Efleda, who, before working in the organization, had no prior experience in a contact center company. “Learning to work here was like learning the ABC in first grade,” she recalled.

“Everyone was ready to help me, supportive, and there when I reached out for help. No one made snide comments about me being old or being slow. They just accepted me, unconditionally, and this provided me with emotional stability,” Efleda said.

Ding, the director for Facilities and Admin, added that seniors like him continue to be excellent learners when given the opportunity. Boyet, a technical writer, echoed the consistent support he gets from Carelon.

“What drew me to this company was its genuine commitment to inclusivity, especially its thoughtful approach to senior citizens. Whether it’s through accessible facilities, community outreach, or digital literacy initiatives, I saw an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful,” Ding said.

Their shared experience reflects what Carelon has built and fostered—a culture of care with genuine concern for its people and the community.

“Care is in our DNA,” said Agcaoili. “When our associates feel the care coming from the organization and the leaders, that care enables them to be the best version of themselves. Care also then translates outward into the work we do and the services we deliver to our clients.”

Interested in working at Carelon? Visit its Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more information and updates on recruitment activities.