She is one of the nation's elderly poor. Her daughter purchased most of her clothing and paid for her room and board for the past 12 years. Social Security is a real factor in her ability to survive with some dignity in her old age. Mrs. Thomas' story is not unique. For every dollar men earn, women earn 74 cents, which translates into lower Social Security benefits.
Women are half as likely than men to receive a pension.
Twenty percent of women versus 47 percent of men over age 65 receive pensions. Women do not spend as much time in the workforce as men. Women spend more time out of the paid work force than do men in order to raise families and take care of aging parents. Women live longer than men by an average of seven years. Social Security benefits are the only source of income for many elderly women.