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.
Though work is usually associated with paid labor, the role of the unpaid caregiver has important consequences for older women's health. The typical unpaid caregiver is a woman in her middle years or older providing care to a parent, spouse, or other relative. In some cases, she may be caring for children or even grandchildren. The stresses and strains older caregivers experience such as family conflicts and the inability to take a break from care giving duties can lead to depression, reduced immunity levels, poor general health, and lower quality of life. Health Insurance and Barriers to Care Most women age 65 and over are insured by Medicare, which covers retired individuals and their spouses.