Highlights of the 2007 TTN Member Survey

 

The Typical TTN Woman

• Is in her early sixties, with slightly more of us under 60 than over 65
• Is highly educated -- more than 2/3 hold a graduate or professional degree
• Is equally likely to be single, widowed or divorced as she is married/ or partnered  

Smart Women Don’t Retire

• Although she may not be earning a regular paycheck from a full or part-time job, most members do not consider themselves retired. They freelance, consult, engage in pro bono or volunteer work. Slightly more than 4 out of 10 describe themselves as retired
• Keeps intellectually engaged and growing -- mostly with formal courses, professional development activities or book groups
• Keeps fit by working out at least 2-3 times a week, with a sizeable group (4 in 10) exercising more often than that
• Travels regularly both within the US (90%) and abroad (60%), but is not likely to go on an organized tour. Most exotic destinations – Yemen, Rwanda, Mali, Bhutan
• Is a regular user of the computer for email and the internet for research, travel arrangements or shopping
• Uses a cell phone regularly, but not an MP3 player, a digital camera or video recording
• Votes regularly in national, state and local elections and has been a volunteer in a political campaign
• Volunteers between 5 and 10 hours a month for a non-profit community organization

Money Matters

• Feels confident that, economically. she will be able to maintain her current lifestyle as she ages
• Has or anticipates retirement income from multiple sources – social security, tax-deferred retirement account, investments, pension
• Is moderately confident in her ability to understand and manage her finances, using the skills of a financial advisor, as well as her own research, for money management decisions

Life Over 50

• Values being over 50 for the wisdom she has acquired, the flexible time, sense of control over her life choices and the opportunity to be less concerned about pleasing others
• Definitely wants to stay in her own home/apartment, with support as needed, as she ages
• Considers her current health insurance excellent but is only moderately confident that it will be adequate in the future
• Has planned ahead with a will, a living will, a health care proxy and a financial power of attorney, but not an estate plan
• Identifies declining health, financial security and ageism in society as the major issues facing women over 65. Among NYC members. ageism in the workplace is seen as a major issue for women between 50 and 65; among members outside of NYC, financial security looms largest for this age group

Engagement in TTN

• Joined TTN to connect with other women of similar interests, for fun and companionship, to pursue opportunities for continued intellectual growth and to advocate for the older women
• Is a satisfied member of a peer group
• Has attended at least one montlhly meeting and/or special event during the past year and expresses satisfaction with that experience