The challenges female patients are facing

Female patients face many challenges: ©MargJohnsonVA - stock.adobe.com

A study found that significant numbers of younger women are struggling in multiple areas of their lives, and that these issues are affecting their health and wellbeing.

The Artemis Strategy Group 2024 Life Priorities Assessment Study examined how recent social and economic challenges have disproportionately impacted women in Generations X, Y, and Z. The comprehensive study assessed American well-being across nine areas, including health, family, and finance, and illustrates the challenges many women face.

The study shows that a significant number of younger women—particularly those under 60—are struggling to achieve a stable footing in areas of financial, physical, and emotional health. Nearly two-thirds of women in this demographic report financial challenges, which include difficulty accessing well-paying jobs with good benefits, affordable health care, housing, food, and childcare. More than half have also faced mental or physical health challenges in the past year, creating a cycle in which financial and health issues reinforce each other, making it harder for women to reach their personal goals.

Anne Aldrich, partner at Artemis Strategy Group, stated: “We expected that the gender equality measures enacted in the 1960s and 1970s would lead to improved financial and health outcomes for younger generations of women. However, our research shows that substantial gaps still remain, particularly for younger women."

In contrast, women from the Baby Boomer generation are reportedly doing better in financial and emotional health, with outcomes comparable to men in their age group. Yet, younger generations continue to experience a more pronounced gender gap in these areas, highlighting a concerning trend for women in their prime working and childbearing years.

Financial struggles impacting health and relationships

The study found that women generally feel most successful in meeting goals related to family, home, and relationships. However, those under 60 report significant challenges with financial security and career satisfaction, particularly when compared to men. Among the 44% of younger women who feel they lack financial control, 59% say it negatively impacts their emotional health, 35% say it affects their relationships, and 32% report that it affects their physical health.

The financial challenges and accompanying stress are especially acute for women who take on caregiving responsibilities. According to the study, 56% of women currently serve as caregivers, either for children, aging parents, or both. This “sandwich” caregiving role places additional financial, physical, and emotional strain on women in their prime years. Among these caregivers:

• 60% report that caregiving has negatively impacted their finances.
• 50% feel that caregiving has held back their career.
• Two-thirds experience significant emotional or physical stress related to caregiving.

Despite the difficulties, most women in caregiving roles report a sense of pride and purpose in their responsibilities. Yet, two-thirds also indicate they would spend more time caregiving if financial circumstances allowed.

A complex web of challenges for younger women

The study points to several factors that could improve financial security for younger women, including increased savings, better access to affordable essentials such as childcare, and enhanced financial education. Aldrich attributes part of the current landscape to the economic repercussions of the Great Recession and COVID-19, along with recent restrictions on reproductive rights, noting that these issues have particularly affected women of childbearing age.