A question about pensions in the uk?

I was born in the UK, in 1941.I lived there until I was 26, I worked, paid taxes and everything else a person is expected to do. then emigrated to Canada with my family. divorced in 1983 and re married in 1985 to another Englishman. two of my children were born in England. I have applied for a senior pension. and have been told I'm not eligible, for one. I was a mother who chose to stay home and raise my children instead of farming them out to strangers. Yet now I can't collect any pensions. what do I live on? how can I turn this around, any suggestions please. if my current husband dies I'll be destitute.