Social Security benefits for older women are often lower than for their male counterparts, due typically to lower wages and extended workforce absences necessitated by family caregiving and other responsibilities. Additionally, the sporadic employment history of many women makes it difficult for them to establish pension eligibility. In fact, older women are only about half as likely as older men to be receiving pension income. Health Care Access to affordable health insurance is frequently tied to employment and marital status. This puts many older women at a distinct disadvantage.
Older women are more likely to be unemployed.
They are more likely to work part time and in industries that do not offer health insurance benefits. Dependence upon a spouse's plan makes them increasingly vulnerable in the event of separation, divorce, or their spouse's retirement, unemployment, or death. This can push many older women further into poverty. At the same time, older women are at much higher risk of chronic diseases and disabling conditions as they age. Ultimately, they are more likely to require costly long term care.