[Elderly working women--late stages of employment and transition to retirement]

The employment of elderly women has become increasingly important. Changes in employment patterns have led to an increase in the number of working middle-aged women, especially among women with children and families. The later employment years of middle-aged women are characterized by problems at work and in the labour market which are caused by insufficient skills and poor health. The transition to (early) retirement does not follow any specific patterns. It is shaped by health and financial conditions and family concerns. A large percentage of retired women have difficulties adjusting to retirement conditions. An analysis of this status passage must include all scopes of action of elderly employed women.