Older Women’s League Report Urges Medicare Reforms
The typical woman over age 65 lives alone, is almost twice as likely to live in poverty as her male counterpart, spends about one-fifth of her income on medical costs, will live six years longer than the average man and is likely to need long term care, according to a report from the Older Women's League, an advocacy group. Yesterday, the group presented a "stark statistical picture of female aging" in its report, "The State of Older Women in America." During a news conference OWL officials praised President Bush for "com[ing] out early" with a Medicare prescription drug
proposal but added that "broader reforms of Medicare ... are needed to help older women." Women over age 65 also spend 20% more on prescription drugs than their male counterparts, as they typically outlive men and are more likely to develop chronic illnesses, Jeanette Takamura, former assistant secretary of aging and OWL board member, said. She added, "The typical nursing home resident is a 75-year-old woman. After spending an average of 17 years caring for our children and 18 years caring for our parents, the typical older woman in America will likely need care herself" (Cox News Service/Baltimore Sun, 1/31). To obtain a copy of the report, call 1-800-825-3695. The report is $15. OWL accepts credit cards and checks.