"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 " 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 "This book is an essential read for any woman. Moira weaves cutting-edge research with the stories of charming women we come to know and love." -- Laura Tamblyn Watts, author of the international bestseller Let's Talk About Aging Parents "Through a beautiful blend of stories of lived experience and thoughtful context, Moira Welsh offers a balanced portrait of both the remarkable strength of older women and the myriad challenges we face as we enter life's final stage. I left inspired by their resilience and resolve -- and motivated to prepare for my own future older self." -- Kirsten Jacobs, vice president of Shared Learning Initiatives " The Astonishing Lives of Older Women shines much-needed light on a group that is invisible in public policy. It's a sobering reminder that far too many women are aging into 'golden years' that will be marked by poverty and deprivation and will continue to do so until we reform not only outdated employment and pension policies but societal attitudes." -- André Picard, author of Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada's Elders.