The ongoing debates about the future of social insurance programs such as Social Security and Medicare raise questions about the public's knowledge of the history of social insurance and about the impact these programs have on millions of Americans. In general, public conversations about social policies in the U.S. tend to focus on whether or not…

The author argues that, although 1985 statistics suggest that the elderly are better off financially than at any time in recent history, these statistics do not show the whole picture. She states that there must be a change in public policy to prevent future intergenerational conflict. (CH)

The following topics are examined: old age pensions under social security; economic policy as the primary determinant of social policy; the measurement of poverty and its implications for antipoverty policies; race and ethnic relations; the future of private welfare; and the analytic connection between sociology and social welfare. (RM)

This study discusses the impact of the aging of the Japanese population upon various socioeconomic factors. Major findings are that the rate of real gross national product growth will decline continuously and that more financial resources will be required for government social security programs. (Editor/CT)

Discusses current and future economic issues and the need for an aging population to claim benefits from the income of younger workers. Highlights include pensions, social security, Medicare, and Medicaid; demographic trends and how markets and politics respond to change; and implications for the future. (LRW)

This document presents an extensive report on retirement income prepared by the Congressional Research Service at the request of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. The report consists of an executive summary, an overview of the issue, and a series of background papers. Part I provides an overview of retirement income for an aging population and…

In recent opinion surveys, Americans were asked about their expectations for the year 2000. Though general optimism was expressed, people were concerned about specific economic issues, such as inflation, jobs, and maintenance of the social security system. Future-oriented interviewees tended to be professionals, young, male, well educated, and…

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)

The authors show that Canada's demographic situation in the future will differ substantially from what has been known in the past. Their analysis suggests that up to about 2010 population change will have less of an impact on the real level of aggregate government expenditures than on the size of the real gross national product. (Author/CT)

This bulletin examines the baby boom, its causes, its size, and its impact on U.S. society. Nearly 42 million births occurred in the U.S. from 1955 to 1964. Several reasons are given for this baby boom which interrupted a century long fertility decline. Demographically the primary causes were more people marrying and having at least two children…

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)

This study traces public sector expenditures for nine Latin American countries in the 1980s in order to determine how social services and social well-being fared during the economic stringencies of the decade. The countries included are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Venezuela. The…

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.…

This report discusses trends in the way Australian families are forming and re-forming, factors determining families' access to income, and proposals regarding reform of the income transfer system. The current shape of families in Australia is described in terms of a shift to marriage at a later age; leaving-home behavior of young people; the…