Living conditions of women 50plus in Europe – results of a secondary analysis in twelve Western European countries.

Within the framework of the research project MERI, we analyzed in twelve Western European countries which kind of studies and official statistics are available on the situation of women 50plus and how their situation is described by these data. On the one hand, thematic and country-specific knowledge and knowledge gaps were identified. Generally speaking the topics health and social integration are the focus of the examined studies. Detailed data were also found on issues relating to work and the material situation. Knowledge gaps are to be found with regard to the topics interest representation, education and violence/abuse. There are clear country-specific differences in the data. Partly there is a North-South divide with regard to the availability and the quality of data. On the other hand, characteristics of the living conditions of women 50plus were identified. Women 50plus are a very heterogeneous group which strongly differs among others with regard to social background, disability, illness, region and migration. At the same time there are, however, clear common problems in the examined areas health, social integration, education, work, material situation, interest representation and violence/abuse. From the research result recommendations are derived for future studies and the improvement of official statistics.