When people talk about gender equality, they often focus on the achievement of gender equality for younger women and girls.
But what happens as women age?
Despite making up a growing share of the global population, older women are routinely overlooked in policies, funding, and discussions about women’s rights. This article explores the challenges they face – from poverty and poor health to violence and exclusion – and what needs to change to ensure that no woman is left behind and gender equality is achieved for all women and girls.
Why do older women matter?
Today, more than one quarter of the world’s women are over 50 years old. And by 2050, this number will rise to 35%.
Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration recognised that older women face unique challenges, from poverty and poor health to violence and discrimination. But despite promises to improve their lives, progress has been slow. Today, older women continue to be invisible in gender equality discussions, policies, and funding.
Critical areas of concern for older women
Let’s explore the situation of older women in six of the 12 areas of critical concern for achieving gender equality as highlighted in the Beijing Declaration: poverty, health, violence, armed conflict, economy and decision-making.
The reality of poverty in old age
Women are more likely than men to be poor in older age. Many spend their lives doing unpaid care work or working in jobs that don’t provide pensions. When they retire, they are left with little to no income.
In many countries, older women are far less likely than men to receive a pension. In Ethiopia, for example, older men are nine times more likely to get a pension than older women.
In Latin America, nearly half of women over 65 don’t have enough pension income to cover their basic needs.
In many parts of the world, some older women report on relying on their families for basic daily needs or even having to beg to survive.
“We have to beg in order to eat and provide food for our children.” Older woman, Yemen.
The right to health
Older women live longer than men, but they spend more years in poor health or with a disability.
Many suffer from conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, dementia, and mental health issues, but healthcare systems often fail to meet their needs and rights.
Menopause and post-menopause health concerns are largely ignored by healthcare systems and policy makers.
Many national health surveys exclude women over 49, as they have been designed to focus on women of reproductive age meaning the needs of older women are not properly understood or addressed.
Older women are often dismissed in healthcare settings, receiving poor treatment simply because of ageist attitudes.
Older women are not recognised as human beings. They are treated like second-hand class citizens. Nobody is bothered about them. You go to a healthcare facility and definitely you will be given an aspirin, not anything concerning your treatment or your sickness.
Older woman, 62, Uganda.
Violence doesn’t end as women age
Violence against women doesn’t stop at 50. Older women experience domestic violence, financial and emotional abuse, neglect, and even harmful traditional practices.
Older widows are often subject to property theft by their families, discrimination, and abandonment.
During COVID-19, violence against older women increased, with many facing neglect and abuse.
Yet, most gender-based violence research and policies do not focus on older women, leaving them without the protection and support they need.
“Women have often faced a lifetime of coercion, bullying and violence. In older age, women are often afraid to talk about what has happened to them and have learnt to accept this ‘silent’ form of punishment.” Older woman, 61, UK.
The impact of conflict
Wars and humanitarian crises hit older women hard. Despite playing key roles in their families and communities, they are often left behind, unable to flee or access aid. Many lose their support networks, homes, and financial support.
Over 12% of people in conflict-affected countries are over 50, and this number is rising.
“Life has changed a lot since the war started. Now I’m afraid all the time. (…) Everything is expensive, including medicine, but pensions are small. Now I’m older it feels as though I’m a burden and people aren’t interested in me”. Older woman, 86, Lebanon
The unrecognised workforce
Many women continue working to support themselves and their families as they grow older, often in low-paid, informal jobs without protection or benefits.
One in seven women over 65 globally are still working, mostly in insecure jobs.
They are more likely to do unpaid care work, looking after grandchildren and sick family members, without any recognition or support. On average older women undertake 4.3 hours of unpaid or domestic work a day.
Older women also face age discrimination in the workplace or are forced to retire
I am saddened by the halting of my professional life and feel a sense of depression due to the cancellation of my role. I used to be the provider for my family, but due to my old age and the travel of most of my children, I am no longer able to work or secure some necessities for myself.
Older woman, Northwest Syria.
Where are the women in power?
Despite their experience and wisdom, older women are often excluded from decision-making.
They are rarely seen in government or leadership positions.
Social norms and stereotypes push them into the background.
When they speak up, they are often ignored or dismissed.
Older women are practically non-existent among members of local or national parliaments, whereas older men are not a completely uncommon sight.” – Older woman, Serbia.
What needs to change?
To truly achieve gender equality, older women must be included. Here’s what needs to happen:
Governments must collect sex-age and disability disaggregated data on older women – Without proper data to understand older women’s experiences, their needs and rights will continue to be ignored.
Policies and funding must include older women – From pensions to healthcare, governments and donors need to prioritise support for women at all stages of life.
Older women’s voices must be heard – They must be included in gender equality discussions, decision making at all levels, including policymaking, and leadership roles.
A life-course approach to gender equality – Women face discrimination at every stage of life. Policies must recognise this and support women from youth to older age.
Gender equality doesn’t stop at 50. If we truly want a fairer world, we must ensure that no woman – no matter her age – is left behind.
Ensuring older women are seen and heard
Gender equality is pivotal for achieving HelpAge’s mission, as it permeates all aspects of our work and plays a central role in fostering social justice, protecting human rights, and supporting sustainable development.
Know more about our work in advancing gender equality.
