© Michael Pollard
© Audrey Albert
© Marge Bradshaw
Older women continue to contribute significant work to their families and communities often providing care and support to others, sometimes this work is paid, but often it is not.
Older women should be recognised for their achievements in establishing themselves as entrepreneurs and 'neighbourhood keepers'. These women show their tenacity and endurance. It is essential that this the vast contribution made by older women is recognised and highlighted.
Some older women are volunteering because they want to give back to their communities and discover new skills after a satisfactory working life, and they are often in financially comfortable positions to enable them to do this such as having secure housing and a decent occupational pension.
Other women over 50 are volunteering due to an altered life-course such as having to leave their home country because of conflict and / or escaping violence, being made redundant, or becoming disabled or unwell or because of care responsibilities. Women in these situations often have more precarious circumstances, and are not financially secure.
Some women with significant care responsibilities have had limitations on their earning potential throughout their working age lives which ultimately impacts on thier retirement income.
