Gender, ethnicity and empowerment in later life

Studies of later life are increasingly emphasising its positive aspects as a time which is not necessarily linked to decline and dependency. Gender is also accepted as an important variable in the experience of advancing years. However, the significance of ethnicity is less often emphasised. Based on preliminary analyses from research with older women from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, this article focuses on what they identify as important in terms of living their later years. The article emphasises migration and cultural differences in perceptions of ageing. It concludes with a discussion of the meanings of empowerment.