Why Women in Their Early 60s Are Falling Through the Cracks

Many single women in their late 50s and early 60s are facing dire financial and emotional hardships, and a major culprit is the rigid age limit for pension eligibility. With the Old Age Security (OAS) and other benefits starting at 65, this age group is left without adequate support during one of the most vulnerable transitions in life.

A Perfect Storm of Challenges

For many women in this age group, the struggles are compounded by:

Employment Barriers: Ageism in the workforce makes finding stable, well-paying jobs almost impossible.

Savings Depletion: Decades of caregiving, single parenting, and wage disparity have left little room to build robust retirement savings.

Rising Costs: Housing and healthcare costs continue to climb, leaving many women scrambling to afford even basic necessities.

Social Assistance Gaps: Programs intended for “older workers” often miss the mark, either because they are underfunded or because women don’t meet their narrow eligibility criteria.

The Human Cost

This isn't just about finances—this is about dignity. Imagine working hard your entire life, only to find yourself choosing between food and shelter because you’re a few years too young to qualify for support.

Women in this demographic are more likely to experience homelessness, food insecurity, and declining health due to the stress of constant financial instability. And yet, society largely ignores them.

A Simple, Fair Solution

It’s time to advocate for change:

Lower the Age of Pension Eligibility: Allow individuals to access partial OAS benefits at 60 to bridge the gap.

Expand Housing Support: Increase affordable housing options specifically for women over 55.

Create Transitional Assistance: Implement programs that recognize the unique challenges of this age group and provide tailored financial and employment support.

Call to Action

This issue isn’t just a policy failure—it’s a social justice issue. If you agree that no one should live in poverty just because of an arbitrary age limit, here’s how you can help:

1. Share This Post: Awareness is the first step toward action.

2. Write to Your MP: Demand that pension age limits be re-evaluated and restructured.

3. Share Your Story: If you or someone you know has been impacted, let your voice be heard. Real stories make real change.

Let’s work together to ensure that no one in their early 60s is left to struggle alone.