Women and Men in Retirement: The Facts
Life expectancy at 65
Men: 16.8 years (live until 81.


Population 65 and older living alone
Men: 28% Women: 59%
Population 85 and older living alone
Men: 46% Women: 87%
Median number of years spent in the work force (for workers retired in 2000)
Men: 44 Women: 32
Average Social Security monthly benefit when started at 62
Men: $995.40 Women: $788
Average Social Security monthly benefit when started at 65
Men: $1,261.50 Women: $940.10
Population 65 and older living below poverty line
Men: 7% Women: 12%
Baby boomers' home equity in 2001 (before the big run-up in home prices)
Married couples: $75,000 (35% of total net worth)
Unmarried male householders: $52,000 (44% of total net worth) Unmarried female householders: $47,000 (51% of total net worth)
Net worth of baby boomers who rent
Married couples: $10,040
Unmarried men: $10,250 Unmarried women: $3,320
Sources: US Census (2004 American Community Survey); Harvard Generations Policy Program (Baby Boomer Women: Secure Futures or Not, July 2006); Social Security Administration; National Center for Health Statistics.