A note to US-based customers: All Lit Up is pausing print orders to the USA until further notice. Read more
The Astonishing Lives of Older Women
A bold cultural manifesto for a generation of women, and a wake-up call we can’t afford to ignore.
There is a seismic shift underway in how we think about aging for women — and Moira Welsh is leading the conversation.
But beneath the glossy narrative of “aging well” lies a more complicated truth.
In The Astonishing Lives of Older Women, Welsh combines immersive reporting with unforgettable real-life stories to reveal what growing older actually looks like for a massive — and rapidly expanding — demographic of women.
You’ll meet:
- A woman in her 70s forced to live in her car
- A widow navigating love, rejection, and financial insecurity
- A lifelong professional quietly outliving her savings
These stories expose the hidden realities shaping women’s later years:
- The gender pension gap
- Rising housing insecurity
- Loneliness, ageism, and invisibility
- The financial cost of caregiving, divorce, and survival
But this isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a guide to what comes next.
Drawing on insights from a CEO, a legal scholar, and a feminist economist, Welsh offers essential, clear-eyed advice on careers, pensions, financial planning, and relationships. It all underscores a critical truth: financial independence isn’t optional.
And yet, this is not a story of defeat.
As women live longer than ever before, many are redefining what those extra decades can mean: new love, deep friendships, sexual freedom, purpose, and power on their own terms.
Part urgent social investigation, part cultural manifesto, The Astonishing Lives of Older Women captures a pivotal moment — for a massive demographic of women, and for anyone rethinking aging, longevity, and the future of women’s lives.
nttt
“An illuminating survey of the challenges older women face in North America … It’s an unsettling but, unfortunately, practical guide to aging.” — Publishers Weekly
ntt“This book offers informal financial advice specific to Canadian audiences, but is best suited for general readers interested in a broad-ranging exposé of the lives of older women.” — Booklist
ntt“A cautionary tale that all women approaching their 50s should read and take to heart as they plan and prepare for their post-retirement years.” — Library Journal
ntt“Revelatory and engaging, The Astonishing Lives of Older Women is an inspiring feminist resource.” — Foreword Reviews
ntt“Despite the warnings, Welsh argues persuasively that women (and men) can still strive for longevity with vitality. They just need to start working towards it sooner than later, before time’s up.” — Toronto Star
ntt“This is critical reading for any woman hoping never to face homelessness — or its ugly cousin, invisibility — which pretty much means us all.” — Zoomer
ntt“While Welsh primarily writes about women over 60, The Astonishing Lives of Older Women holds a cautionary message for younger women who might not be aware of how the decisions they are making now regarding their careers and relationships will influence their future ability to enjoy their retirement and old age. The book holds useful information for women of all ages.” — Winnipeg Free Press
ntt“Moira Welsh hasn’t just written a book; she has drafted a strategic plan for the soul. It is an essential read for anyone committed to a future where aging is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be celebrated with dignity, community, and pleasure.” — Respect News
ntt“This book exposes the realities society rarely talks about, not with despair, but with dignity. Moira Welsh empowers younger generations to prepare differently and advocate more fiercely for themselves. A moving, essential read for every woman who wants to enter her later decades with strength, clarity, and agency.” —Sevy Petras, CEO and co-founder of Priority Life Care
ntt“The Astonishing Lives of Older Women is a necessary, eye-opening look at what it really means to age as a woman today. Welsh highlights older women redefining intimacy, friendship, sexuality, and purpose. She lifts up experts and advocates fighting to close the gender pension gap, build better housing solutions, and challenge the ageism baked into our systems. What makes this book powerful is its humanity. It reminds us that improving aging in North America starts with centring women — their realities, their resilience, and their leadership. It’s essential reading for anyone shaping the future of aging — and for anyone who believes, as I do, that when women thrive, we all thrive.” — Charles de Vilmorin, SVP of Resident Engagement, LifeLoop
nttThere are no awards found for this book.
You must be logged in to submit a review.
Details
Dimensions:
216 Pages
8.5in * 5.5in * 0.5038in
0.61lb
Published:
April 07, 2026
Publisher:
ISBN:
9781770418004
Book Subjects:
Language:
eng
Share
No author posts found.
