Examines the Social Security program as it relates to women in the workplace. As increasing numbers of working-age women enter the paid labor force, women's groups are voicing their concerns of the inequitable distribution of Social Security benefits. Discusses three options for reform and expected changes. (Author/ABL)

Projected implications of population aging are based on a definition of retirement age as 65. This article discusses the concept of "equivalent retirement ages" as a method for determining appropriate age for normal retirement and points out usefulness and limitations of raising normal retirement age as a policy instrument. (BF)

Recent policy proposals have introduced need-based criteria, as well as the principle of wealthier older persons paying greater taxes or sharing more heavily in financing services and benefits than those who have less income and accumulated wealth. This article reviews emergence of new approaches and concludes with commentary on political…

Explores relationship between recent policy reforms, targeting proposals, and a universal Social Security program. Explores principles that inform Social Security, concluding that treating benefits as taxable income and raising retirement age push at boundaries of universality without violating fundamental precepts of social insurance program. (BF)

This paper looks at demographic and financial trends that can have an effect on the health care sector, the government reliance on projections of budget expenditures and the current budget deficit, and trends in health care expenditures and effects on the future of Social Security and Medicare. (MLW)

Explores ramifications of a number of economic and societal factors on retirement policy. Factors considered are (1) inflation, (2) age discrimination legislation, (3) retirement income sources, (4) demographics, (5) overextending funds, (6) elimination/retention of mandatory retirement legislation, and (7) future alternatives. (CSS)

Aging is now one of the most important issues facing the United States. The challenge gerontologists are facing is to think about new ways to help broaden the debate about preparing for an aging society in a comprehensive manner that takes into account diverse disciplines and interest groups. (BF)

Describes design principles followed in developing an interactive microcomputer-based simulation to study financial and economic aspects of the Dutch social security system. The main goals are to improve participants' insights into the formal simulation model, and to improve policy development skills. Plans for future research are also discussed.…