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.
Keywords: Aging of women, Economic disparities, Homelessness, Income
levels, Older women.
