American culture has always honored the aspiration to live a “good life,” even as the definition of “good life” and the means of fulfilling it have evolved in tandem with cultural and technological change. These challenges are experienced in distinct ways by all demographics, and — with the 2026 midterm elections here — our public servants need to understand their concerns and craft policies accordingly.
Women in their 50s and beyond are the focus of a new report, “The Matriarchs,” by Independent Women. Our original polling reveals the spectrum of their views on working within and outside the home; caring for aging parents; helping adult children and grandchildren; planning for health needs and for retirement; and confronting social trends and political turmoil.
Nearly 62% of matriarchs find their circumstances improved versus previous generations, with more individual freedom, work, and social opportunities, and material resources. However, over 85% feel life has become more complicated as families and communities seem to be more fluid and fragmented than in the past.
“Gray divorce” among couples aged 50 and older has skyrocketed, and parent-child estrangement is on the rise. Falling fertility rates, and delays in childbearing, mean fewer matriarchs are taking on the traditional role of grandmother. For those matriarchs who do serve as unpaid, informal caregivers for elderly family members or grandchildren, their labor amounts to well over $700 billion in our economy.
While matriarchs typically have more leisure time than younger people, more of that free time is being spent on smartphones and screens. In-person socializing is down, and most matriarchs aren’t members of religious institutions nor of clubs that meet regularly. This change from previous generations bespeaks the risk of social isolation.
Other trends are more encouraging. Lifespans — and “healthspans” — are increasing, giving matriarchs the opportunity to experience more enjoyable years than their age cohort did in the past. Hearteningly, many matriarchs feel that today’s healthcare system is more responsive to their needs and concerns.
In better health, more matriarchs than ever are working outside the home — of necessity in many cases, and in fulfillment of aspirations and talents in many more. In 2024, the labor force participation rate for women aged 50 and over reached an all-time high of 16.2%.
And, as for so many other Americans, the matriarchs we polled rated financial insecurity as their No. 1 concern. That should command attention in an election year dominated by debates over affordability.
For matriarchs, who are politically diverse, pragmatic policy solutions should be the order of the day for candidates and elected officials. Women at or near retirement age could feel more financially secure with greater workplace flexibility; fiscally responsible reforms to Medicare and Social Security; lower tax burdens; and more opportunities to save in tax-protected ways and can honor priorities such as financing long-term care. Such policies could also strengthen families by making caregiving easier.
Allowing our most life-experienced citizens to realize their priorities without harm from well-intended but flawed mandates should be a common-sense goal for all voters and the representatives they elect.
America needs our matriarchs — and not only because they are the heart and soul of their families and communities. We need them because in a turbulent time for America and for humanity, matriarchs serve as role models who are not virtual but present — vibrantly, wisely, lovingly, courageously. We prosper best when intergenerational relationships are revered, encouraged, and rewarded. Strong and respected matriarchs are essential.
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As politicians compete for Americans’ votes, they should pay attention not only to what these women need but to what they have to offer.
Let’s work, from all parts of the great American spectrum, to ensure that their gifts are magnified and perpetuated for generations to come.
The Honorable Nan Hayworth, M.D., represented the 19th District of New York in the 112th Congress. She sits on the board of Independent Women.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
