A recent article in the New York Times features the work of SSW Assistant Professor, Dr. John G. Cagle, and his colleagues. The article by columnist Paula Span, discussed how gender differences in life expectancy and caregiving involvement can negatively impact outcomes (in terms of financial burden, poorer health, and greater risk for institutionalization) for older women, particularly widows and female divorcees.
Although older women are very resilient in many ways, these disparities suggest greater attention is needed to address the gender wage gap, provide support for family caregivers, and develop alternatives to institutionalization. Dr. Cagle's study was supported by a UMB Interdisciplinary Research Grant and the SSW Financial Social Work Initiative.