Aging in New Hampshire The Implications for Women

November 19, 2007 by Katie Merrow, Executive Director

All our reports are available at www.nhwpi.org

As NH ages, there will a relatively smaller pool of experienced,

qualified workers

Women are the majority of new college grads, and will likely have

increased opportunity as businesses compete for younger workers

Percent of men and women with Bachelors degree or higher, by age

(2006 American Community Survey data, NH residents)

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

18 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 64 years 65 years and over

61% of recent college graduates in NH are women.

Men

Women

Many new jobs however will be in low-wage occupations

Projected new jobs in fastest growing occupations in NHBy gender and wage, compared to livable wage

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600

Personal/Home Care Aide

Home Health Aide

Rehab Counselor

Medical Assistant

Commty/Soc Svc Specialist

Dental Assistant

Personal Financial Advisor

Netwrk/Data Comm Analyst

Dental Hygenist

Computer Software Eng.

Number of projected new jobs available 2004 to 2014

Percent Female in 2000

Percent Male in 2000$37.31

$33.69

$28.88

$26.43

$18.26

$15.83

$13.90

$13.22

$10.74

$9.62

Livable Wage, Single Person

Livable Wage, Single Parent Family

Source: ELMI data, gender break-out from 2000 Census

Occupational concentrations and state budget policy affects earnings

• Women tend to work in care-giving occupations, which pay less than traditionally male occupations.

• State budget policy that “level funds” care-

giving services, or funds Medicaid services at below cost, contributes to downward pressure on women’s salaries, unless those providers can shift costs elsewhere.

Women more likely to be poor and alone in old age

Aged 75 and over - all

38%

62%

Aged 75 and over - in poverty

30%

70%

Source: 2006 American Community Survey of NH residents; “living alone or w no family” refers to individuals living either alone or with others to whom they are unrelated.

Women Men

Aged 75 & over- living alone or w no family

26%

74%