The Feminization of Aging refers to the phenomenon in which women make up a disproportionately large share of the elderly population worldwide.
This is due to women’s longer life expectancy compared to men, as well as socio-economic, cultural, and health disparities that affect aging differently.
Globally, populations are aging rapidly. Many older women face financial disparities due to economic, social, and cultural differences. This leaves them vulnerable to poverty, especially in countries without strong social safety nets. Families abandon many women in later years because of the decision to leave rural villages and head to big cities for work. The women I met in Bulgaria and Romania live alone in mountain villages, far from assistance. I just returned from India, where elderly women are living on the streets because of this situation. They are mistaken for beggars but are only trying to survive. In the USA, this global tsunami is threatening.
Loneliness among the elderly is a significant issue with wide-ranging impacts on their mental and physical health. As people age, they may experience social isolation due to the loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and retirement from work. This can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and various health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and weakened immune systems.
Addressing loneliness in the elderly involves a combination of community support, technology, and healthcare interventions. Community centers, support groups, and volunteer programs can help encourage social engagement. Technology, such as video calls and social media, can also bridge the gap for the less mobile. Healthcare providers can play a role by screening for loneliness and connecting patients with resources.
My ongoing project is bringing attention to this social issue, hoping that it will create positive change. As a humanitarian photographer, I use my lens to illuminate the lives and stories of people and communities overlooked in our society. My work is driven by a strong commitment to truth, dignity, and the power of visual storytelling. I strive to capture moments of resilience, vulnerability, and strength, offering a window into worlds that deserve to be seen and understood. I aim to challenge perceptions, evoke empathy, and inspire action through my work. Each image is a testament to the human spirit an invitation to witness, reflect, and engage.
About Michele Zousmer
Michele Zousmer is a humanitarian photographer dedicated to illuminating the lives and stories of people and communities often overlooked in society. Through powerful visual storytelling, she captures moments of resilience, dignity, and strength, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy. She has many ongoing and completed projects. Michele Zousmer is the author of MIS[S]UNDERSTOOD, a book about the women in the Irish Traveller community, highlighting their vital role in family and cultural life. She has used creative storytelling across multiple mediums. Her film Sounds Of The Sidewalk: A Journey Of Goodbye about a homeless man who was dying received a Humanitarian Award from the NYC Short Film Festival. Passionate about representation in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), Michele Zousmer is also working on a project showcasing African American professionals as role models for students of color. This work is especially timely in response to evolving diversity challenges in the current political landscape. [Official Website]
