The quality of older women's lives often diminishes as they age, and poverty plays a major role. Nearly three fourths of the Nation's elderly poor are women. Older minority women and those living alone suffer disproportionately. The longer women live, the poorer they become due to such factors as death of a spouse, limited fixed incomes, and higher costs of living including out of pocket health care costs. There are multiple reasons for older women's higher rates of poverty, and they are rooted in our society's traditional system of paid and unpaid labor.
Many women are uncompensated as homemakers and caregivers for at least part of their lives.
They have a harder time getting work outside the home due to hiring discrimination and fewer years of work experience. When they do find work, they earn less than men, and the wage gap increases with age. Furthermore, many women work outside the home sporadically or in temporary or part-time positions, often because of care giving responsibilities. Along with women who hold low-paying jobs, they often receive little or no retirement benefits. Social security is, therefore, often the only source of income for many older women.