Women are less likely than men to have developed the financial resources necessary for a secure retirement, largely because of interrupted career paths. Limited income due to retirement, loss of occupational role or adjusted standard of living causes distress for some seniors. Income support programs are essential for many seniors. As women have been excluded from many labour force opportunities, many older, single women live in poverty.120 Forty-five percent of older women living alone fall below the low income cutoff. When support programs are available, aging can be a healthy and fun stage of life.
Older people adjust their behaviour to compensate for physical declines.
They tend to have a great capacity for coping and for adapting to life stresses, because of their experience in dealing with problems. This adaptation demonstrates their resilience. They also adjust their personal health practices. The physical and psychological benefits of continued physical activity throughout old age have been documented. Regular exercise can help correct many health problems in late life.