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by Lou Glasse, Chair, Task Force on Women, Gerontological Society of America; President Emerita, OWL: Older Women's League; Former Director, New York State Office for the Aging
Presented at the New York Citizens' Committee on Aging November 13, 2002 Conference: WOMEN AND AGING: ISSUES FOR LIFE
As long as women continue to assume greater child and elder care, are paid less than men and live longer, women will be at an economic disadvantage.
Women are more likely to work part-time, temporary and in low-wage jobs. They are less likely to have employer provided pensions, health coverage and family and medical leave. Caregiving responsibilities continue to fall predominately on women, often requiring time out of the workplace. Furthermore, wage inequities continue to discriminate against women.
Although an increased number of women have entered the labor force, the retirement income of women does not reflect their growing contributions. The majority of women continue to benefit from their husbands' social security benefit. However, changes in the American family structure are altering the benefits that women receive.
A "retreat from marriage is one of the biggest changes the family has undergone over the last 50 years" according to Dr. Pamela Herd. Today, almost one half of all marriages end in divorce, and more women elect not to marry. Divorced women can receive Social Security spousal benefits if the marriage lasted at least ten years. But never married women are not eligible for either spousal or widows benefits. As a result Herd argues that Social Security rewards marriage, not caregiving. This family trend portends increased inequities in benefits for unmarried women. This needs attention.
Income adequacy colors the experience of growing old. It affects:
- Health care. 45% of all women Medicare beneficiaries have less than $12,000 in countable assets. Medical deductibles and copayments plus uncovered long term care expenses are a particular problem for older women.
- Prescription drug use. The high cost of drugs is often prohibitive.
- Housing. Many more women than men live alone, and many find it difficult to keep a roof over their heads. Of all household groups, this population has the lowest income. Better, affordable housing that is safe and with supportive services is badly needed.
- Nutrition. The New York Times reported that the consumption of fruits and vegetables was closely linked to availability of supermarkets in their neighborhood and to transportation. (11/12/02, Science Section)
- Social and Family Relations. Social isolation is a particular problem for very old persons. Limited income influences how people handle declining health, lack of mobility, and separation from normal activities.
Can we improve the income of older women?
Social Security provides the greatest life long protection for women and their families. While not perfect, Social Security is the best protection we have to reduce poverty among women and their families. It provides nearly universal coverage for workers and their families. It protects children and older widows against loss of income on the death of the worker. It provides benefits in case of disability. Benefits increase when inflation occurs. And benefits continue throughout life.
There are steps we can take to improve Social Security for women. But working for change needs careful planning and careful timing. We must avoid making the problems worse.
President Bush's proposal to partially privatize Social Security would seriously threaten women's well being. The long-term shortfall in the Social Security Trust funds is a manageable challenge. On the other hand, the President's approach would require harsh cut backs in Social Security benefits or significant revenue from the Federal Government. Women have the most to gain or lose from such a plan. We must work against proposals to privatize Social Security.