Elderly Dependency: What Role(s) for Women?

For several decades, most countries in the European Union have been facing the challenge of an ageing population. An older population is associated with an increased risk of loss of individual autonomy and, consequently, an increase in the number of situations of dependence, some of which require aid. Whether it is formal or informal, this aid is provided mainly by women. Elderly women are also more affected by dependency. Due to their longer life expectancy and the demographic structure of couples, where on average they are younger than their spouses, dependent women are more likely to live at home alone. Elderly women are also more likely to live in retirement homes.