But, in today's economy, many families need two-person incomes to make ends meet. Senior women who work . To subsidize their retirement income, to financially support a spouse or relative, or just to remain active, more and more senior women are working well past the government-imposed retirement age, and thus face severe earnings limitation penalties. Upon entering retirement and after the death of a spouse, women potentially lose up to 50 percent of their initial benefits and more than 88 percent of their pre-retirement income. This throws every fifth widow into poverty.
Statistics indicate, according to the study, that women tend to live longer than men.
With longevity comes increased living and health care costs. The program essentially sends a 'stay at home' message to the nation's working and senior women. Women deserve better. The Institute believes these principles are best encouraged through policies that emphasize a free economy, private initiative, and limited government. By focusing on public policy issues such as health care, welfare, education, and the environment, the Institute strives to foster a better understanding of the principles of a free society among leaders in government, academia, the media, and the business community.