Women ages 50 to 64 often face overlapping financial pressures as they approach retirement, including caregiving responsibilities, rising health care needs, and lower lifetime earnings. Many are in their peak earning years, making this period an important window to build savings and strengthen financial security. Yet women are more likely than men to work in lower-paid or part-time roles, step away from paid work to provide care, and rely heavily on Social Security later in life.

In a West Health Mosaic blog post, CHCS senior program officer Torshira Moffett, MPH, explores how caregiving, health care costs, longer lifespans, and workforce patterns shape women’s financial stability as they age. The article highlights opportunities for policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen support through multisector plans for aging, long-term care financing options, caregiver tax credits, respite services, and workplace flexibility. Together, these strategies can help more women maintain income, savings, and stability as they approach older adulthood.