May is Older Americans Month

Aging Challenges of Older Women

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May 02, 2011, 07:00 ET

BRIGHTON, Mich., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- May is designated as national Older Americans Month to encourage support for America's seniors. However, the challenges of aging are more pronounced for women. Compared with men, older women (age 65 and over) are more likely to be widowed or living alone, spend more years requiring long term care services and are more likely to live in poverty.

"We are proud to be working in partnership with the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) to help women better plan for their retirement years. We are hopeful this month will serve as a catalyst for women to start separating facts from myths, and seek solutions most appropriate for them and their loved ones," said Lisa Wendt, president and CEO of LifeSecure Insurance Company.

Overall, women are at greater risk of impoverishment throughout their older years. According to a report by the Heinz Family Philanthropies women remain the primary caregivers in society, spending a significant part of their adult lives providing care. As a result women move in and out of the work force with breaks in their work histories and, according to the Social Security Administration, experience 12 fewer years of earnings.

"Too often, it's at the last minute and in great stress, that families are forced to confront the complicated and difficult questions surrounding long term care. Our goal is raise the key questions and provide answers to help women make the best decisions possible before there's a crisis," said Jeffrey Lewis, Chairman of the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement.

Where to Go for Help

For guidance, WISER and LifeSecure Insurance have partnered to distribute "Ten Questions to Answer about Long Term Care." The questions are intended to provide unbiased information and the latest resources available about long-term care issues and services. The questions and answers are available online at www.TenQuestionsToAnswer.org and at www.YourLifeSecure.com.

"It's time to recognize this important women's issue. I encourage every woman to have a real conversation with their loved ones about their future long term care options," said Wendt.

To learn more about Older Americans Month, including the history of this special celebration, visit the Observances section of the U.S. Administration on Aging's Web site.

About LifeSecure Insurance Company

LifeSecure Insurance Company is based in Brighton, MI and offers long term care and post-hospital recovery insurance products. The company's insurance products are sold through a network of independent marketing organizations, brokers and agents and licensed in 44 states. Additional information is available at www.YourLifeSecure.com.

About WISER

The Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement is a 501(C)(3) organization, established in 1996 by the Heinz Family Philanthropies to improve opportunities for women to secure retirement income. WISER works to provide women at all income levels with basic financial information aimed at helping them take financial control over their lives and to increase awareness of the structural barriers that prevent women's adequate participation in the nation's retirement systems.

Visit WISER at www.wiserwomen.org

Contact: Sara Hogan
LifeSecure Insurance Company
810 220 8731
[email protected]
www.YourLifeSecure.com

Contact: Jeffrey Lewis
Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)
703 403 9695
[email protected]
www.wiserwomen.org

SOURCE LifeSecure Insurance Company