As the only national grassroots membership organization to focus solely on issues unique to women as they age, OWL strives to improve the status and quality of life of midlife and older women. OWL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that accomplishes its work through research, education, and advocacy activities conducted through a chapter network. OWL was founded in 1980 (as the Older Women's League) after a White House mini-conference on aging in Des Moines, Iowa. Now in its 22nd year, OWL provides a strong and effective voice for the more than 58 million women age 40 and over in America.