12. - Written Off Too Soon

Summary

Why is it so difficult for older women in our society to feel that they are seen and heard? What matters in our society is not the quality of a woman’s mind, but her appearance of aging. Yet older women are still trying to find meaning in life, despite the impact on their mental and physical health of the menopause, children leaving home, retirement from work, problems in relationships, caring for others and coping with chronic ill health. Women carry a heavy burden of intergenerational caring – for partners, parents, children and grandchildren. As they age, women experience sequential losses in life, of roles that have been important to us. Suicide rates are rising in older women for reasons unknown, and depression can be more severe. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be life-saving. Alzheimer’s disease is twice as common in women, but we do not know why. Given the massive impact of dementia on women, research is still inadequately funded. Together with younger women we must consider what a feminist old age might look like and, as we age, work at staying engaged with the world. There are things older women can both share with, and learn from, younger women.