Women's Issues

Regardless of their marital status earlier in life, most women can expect to be single for some of their old age. In addition, older single women often have reduced resources. Many women now face situations unlike their expectations when they chose their life courses. Such a situation is shared by a unique community of Catholic sisters. Changes in the church since 1965 and societal changes resulting in fewer women entering religious life could not have been anticipated by older church members. Members (N=431) of one Catholic congregation of sisters completed questionnaires on change; attitudes toward work, aging, and retirement; life events; and resources. Personal interviews were conducted with 30 of the sisters. The results indicated that the respondents dealt with issues facing many older women today and affecting more women in the future. All sisters had had a continuous work history prior to retirement. While some respondents had held professional positions, others held nonprofessional jobs. Wages had been low and subjects were financially ill-prepared for retirement. With decreasing numbers of new members to provide security to old members, the expected care may not be available when needed. The findings suggest that experience with change through the life cycle facilitates retirement and aging adjustment. Far from being at the mercy of institutional and societal change, these women instead provide a model of successful aging. (Author/NB)