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Women substantially outnumber men among older Americans. Among the noninstitutionalized U.S. population age 65–74, for every 100 men there are 120 women. Among those age 75–84, for every 100 men there are nearly 150 women, and among those age ≥85, for every 100 men there are nearly 220 women. Among the population of nursing home residents, the sex ratios are even more dramatic. For those age 65–74 who reside in U.S. nursing homes, for every 100 men there are 132 women. Among residents of nursing homes age 75–84, for every 100 men there are 246 women, and among those age ≥85, for every 100 men there are 425 women. Unless gender-based differences in mortality narrow, the age-related demographic shifts that are occurring in the United States will remain overwhelmingly female. In considering any health-related issue in the geriatric patient population, a special focus on women is absolutely required. This is especially true with regard to pharmacotherapy in the geriatric population.