The implications for women of the world’s rapidly ageing population are profound. The gender inequalities they have experienced throughout their lives cumulate and become more visible as they grow older.

Australia lags behind most other developed countries when it comes to the economic and social well-being of people over 60. While the health status of older Australians is very good (fifth), we rank 17th overall and 67th for income security on a list of 96 countries.

The numbers are even more alarming for Australian women. In 2011, 34% of single women over 60 were in permanent income poverty, compared to 29% of single men and 24% of couples.