Women are living longer-policies can help them live better Wendy CunninghamHarsh Vardhan Sahni July 09, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/investinpeople/women-are-living-longer-policies-can-help-them-live-better Women are living longer, but not necessarily better. Women in low-income countries will live seven years more than their mothers did. Those in middle-income countries will have three more years of life. These additional years will not necessarily be good ones. A lifetime of disadvantages in access to quality health services, income, jobs, and care, all limit women’s ability to thrive and continue contributing as they age. Policies and programs that help aging women in low- and middle-income countries remain healthy and independent will benefit everyone.