Findings show many women are more concerned about affording care than developing serious diseases — with gaps in prevention and clear information shaping their decisions Content is property of Cleveland Clinic and for news media use only. Maria Shriver (left) and Beri Ridgeway, M.D., at the Global Women’s Health + WAM Forum on May 7. A new national report from Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center highlights gaps in how women across generations understand, access and manage their health. The findings show that financial concerns, inconsistent engagement with preventive care and limited access to clear, credible information are influencing health decisions at every stage of life. For many women, these challenges are not abstract — they are shaping real decisions about when and how to seek care. Based on a survey of 2,000 women ages 18 and older, the report finds that while many women are taking steps to support their health, several challenges continue to affect how and when they seek care. Nearly half of women (45%) say their biggest concern as they age is not having enough money to take care of their health — more than those who cite serious conditions like cancer, heart disease or Alzheimer’s disease as their primary concern. “This report makes one thing clear: women’s health is in crisis with persistent and consequential gaps in how women understand and manage their health across the lifespan,” said Maria Shriver, founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) at Cleveland Clinic and co‑founder of the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center. “Too many women lack clear information about their health risks, and too many are unsure whether they can afford the care they need. By addressing these gaps in knowledge, access, and affordability, we have a meaningful opportunity to improve health outcomes