Reviewing the Life Cycle: Women’s Lives in the Light of Social Changes

Our chapter involves both a theoretical revision and a set of reflections that aim to analyse and redefine the significance of the final stages of the female life cycle, which has been revolutionised by two major set of circumstances: the increase in life expectation and the social changes that have taken place in the western world during the second half of the 20th century. In this regard, our reflections deal with the consequences that this spectacular prolongation of life has had for women. We also discuss the new significance that living into old age may have for women who will reach old age during the early decades of this century and who are the beneficiaries of the important social changes of the second half of the past century.