The population of older women consists of relatively healthy, educated, nonpoor, native-born women, not employed and not living with a spouse. Women's involvement in significant activities is limited and there are impediments to their greater participation. Social gerontologists should design new opportunities engaging older women in socially…

Suggests reasons for expecting an increase in the divorce rate for the population over age 65. Knowledge about the effects of marital status upon well-being suggests that being divorced or separated is detrimental to one's social and economic welfare in old age. (Author)