The Astonishing Lives of Older Women
How to Create Pleasure Over Peril in Peak Longevity
Moira Welsh’s compelling social survey addresses the financial, emotional, and social disconnects that many women encounter during their senior years.
An investigative journalist, Welsh’s acclaimed Third Act project for the Toronto Star spotlighted aging-related issues. Expanding upon the series, this book identifies challenges that women deal with as they age, from being perceived as less desirable to outliving one’s partner and financial savings. Due to their years of unrecognized labor, women obligated to provide generational care-giving often receive lower payments from pensions and federal retirement programs, it notes.
Compassionate yet exacting, the book details the stories of several Canadian women ranging in age from their sixties to mid-nineties. Each had troubling experiences while growing older, from housing and money anxieties to yearning for romantic and social involvement. During periods of economic stress, Susan opted for “vehicular residency,” living in her car with nomadic efficiency. Eighty-four-year-old Elizabeth was grateful to be healthy and independent, but she also worried about her continued longevity and managing future expenses on a fixed income.
Elsewhere, the book notes that senior-aged women seeking new partners may find their search to be dispiriting. Many older men prefer younger or wealthier women, or they look for selfless nurturers willing to provide domestic and medical care. Still, joyful “similar vintage” unions are possible, the book suggests, in particular when they’re protected by legal agreements.
Beyond the book’s often unsettling featured examples are recommended solutions. Balancing the women’s experiences with varied professional expertise, guidance is offered regarding communal housing alternatives, senior rights advocacy, establishing social connections, and continuing to enjoy sex. Along with detailed yet accessible chapters and informational text boxes, the book’s tone of constructive empowerment avoids patronizing optimism.
Revelatory and engaging, The Astonishing Lives of Older Women is an inspiring feminist resource.
Reviewed by
Meg Nola
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
