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.