This thread comes as a result of a discussion here.
Many older women find themselves unemployed or underemployed. Perhaps some, after a stressful career, enjoy the relative freedom of working in a sector where they can leave their job at their job at the end of the day. For some, working in retail or fast food might be fulfilling. For many, they've been given no choice.
Poverty, depression, diminished self-esteem - these are all issues that many aging women face as their skills and experience become devalued. Here's an interesting study contrasting workforce experiences of older men and women.