Older Women at the Edge: Economic Disparities of Older Women

This chapter examines the economic wellbeing of older women. As the baby boom generation of women is moving into early "old age" they join earlier cohorts of older women, many of whom are in economically precarious situations, their wellbeing compromised by their economic instability. This chapter focuses on the various "pathways" and contexts that lead to economic distress among segments of older women, including a focus on factors that increase the likelihood of homelessness. Finally, it discusses various policies and programs that could both ameliorate this situation for older women in economic distress and also prevent future cohorts of women falling into economic difficulties.