PUB TYPE Reports- Research/Technical (143)--

Regardless of their marital status earlier in life, most women can expect to be single for some of their old age. In addition, older single women often have reduced resources. Many women now face situations unlike their expectations when they chose their life courses. Such a situation is shared by a unique community of Catholic sisters. Changes in the church since 1965 and societal changes resulting in fewer women entering religious life could not have been anticipated by older church members. Members (N-431) of one Catholic congregation of sisters completed questionnaires on charge; attitudes toward work, aging, and retirement; life events; and resources. Personal interviews were conducted with 30 of the sisters. The results indicated that the respondents dealt with issues facing many older women today and affecting more women in the future. All sisters had had a continuous work history prior to retirement. Whil