Elder Women
Participants in a focus group of elder women in Monterey County reported being particularly concerned about health care costs and having adequate health care coverage. The health issues that women face over the course of their lives – as well as policies (eligibility, coverage of preventative care, lack of funding for in-home care) that shape Medicare, Medicaid, and other supplemental coverage and services – significantly affect retired women’s health and economic well-being. Having sufficient health care coverage and being able to understand and navigate the health insurance systems are critical to economic security of older women.
Elder women generally have lower incomes, fewer assets, and less generous retirement benefits than elder men. Those living alone have fewer economic and social resources to obtain long-term care services when needed. Yet many women elders lack training and experience in managing their financial affairs, making them vulnerable to both volatile markets and unethical practices. Many are facing the need to return to the workforce, either after retirement or as first-time job seekers, but have limited preparation for the kinds of skills in demand in the current highly competitive job market.
Elder women living alone, some recently widowed, often must make life-changing decisions about their living situations. For some, their home of many years is now too large or costly to maintain, assets are tied up in the home and cash is needed, or the home's facilities no longer match their physical abilities and needs. Affordable housing alternatives that provide a higher level of care have long waiting lists, and elder women who need to move into assisted living facilities often find it difficult to sell their homes.
Focus group participants favored options that will enable elders to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible, and they lamented increasing cuts to senior support programs. They envisioned the need for youth employment opportunities for senior in-home support.
Social isolation and marginalization are important issues for Monterey County’s elder women. They expressed a great interest in funding for programs that enable socialization (such as congregate meal service), and cited transportation as a key area of concern, particularly for women in rural areas. They stressed that elder women need and want opportunities for volunteering and learning (e.g., technology classes or tutoring) and contributing to the wellbeing of their communities and their families.
They encouraged the creation of opportunities to educate seniors about how to effectively communicate with legislators, and expressed a real desire to play a role in policy development and advocacy for policies and programs that will be of benefit to the elder community.
Elder women are a rich and diverse resource. Their wellness and security are key threads in the fabric of the wellbeing of local women and girls. Ensuring the health, safety and economic security of our elders and fostering opportunities for their education and leadership offers hope for all women & girls in Monterey County.
Confirmed in Compliance with National