Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America [Paperback]

James H. Schulz (Author), Robert H. Binstock (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801888646 | ISBN-13: 978-0801888649 | Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | Edition: 1

With the impending retirement of some 76 million baby boomers in a period of huge government deficits, public anxiety about the social and economic health of an aging nation is widespread. The policy debates are contentious—from deciding who should receive limited subsidized housing and medical services to the ongoing battle over "saving" Social Security and other entitlement programs. Some policy makers and pundits forecast disaster: elderly people will be put out to pasture with inadequate health care and financial resources, and a crumbling social welfare infrastructure will implode under the strain of intergenerational conflict.

In Aging Nation, renowned experts James H. Schulz and Robert H. Binstock agree that there is considerable cause for concern but insist that a demographic tsunami is not inevitable. Drawing from the most current data, the authors provide an in-depth analysis of the nation's evolving private and public policies on retirement, faltering employer pensions, health care, workplace conditions, and entitlement programs. They consider such timely issues as poverty among older people, rejoining the workforce after retirement, Social Security and health care reform, as well as the rise of elderly people as a powerful political force.

Dispelling popular myths and misconceptions perpetrated by politicians and pundits, Schulz and Binstock consider the economic, political, and social challenges arising from the aging U.S. population, and present a balanced—and reassuring—assessment of the future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

James Schulz and Robert Binstock unquestionably take places of honor among the elders of the gerontological tribe. Decades of study, teaching, civic engagement, writing, and speaking to peers, lawmakers, and informed citizens have secured their reputations as knowledgeable, judicious, respected experts on the economics and politics of aging, respectively.

(W. Andrew Achenbaum, PhD Journal of Aging and Social Policy 2008)

This is a useful primer for any person who wants a sneak preview of the difficult days ahead.

(Steve Goddard History Wire - Where the Past Comes Alive 2008)

This timely book offers a worthwhile read for anyone interested in learning about the history of pension plans in the United States, their administration, and their economic impact on retirees.

(Marvin Peláez Monthly Labor Review 2009)

Highly recommended.

(Midwest Book Review 2008)

It is gratifying to see two such prestigious observers of aging issues put forward a clear analysis of the aging 'crisis' in the United States. This book is an antidote to the ceaseless drumbeat of doom and selfishness coming from those who would dismantle our key sources of retirement security.

(Marilyn Moon, Vice President and Director of the Health Program, American Institutes for Research )

A must read for the general public, politicians, pundits, and anyone who cares about growing old in the United States. Schulz and Binstock provide expert the analysis, balanced viewpoints, and historical overview essential for countering alarmist scenarios and promoting reasonable public policy and discourse.

(Fernando M. Torres-Gil, School of Public Policy, University of California, Los Angeles, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging )

A solid corrective thwack against conventional (and often false) wisdom, propagated by doomsters, about the perils of a nation living longer. Take notes for your own protection.

(Robert Butler, Founding Director of the National Institute on Aging )

Review

"It is gratifying to see two such prestigious observers of aging issues put forward a clear analysis of the aging 'crisis' in the United States. This book is an antidote to the ceaseless drumbeat of doom and selfishness coming from those who would dismantle our key sources of retirement security in the United States. Schulz and Binstock are recognized experts in the field of aging whose counsel should put to rest the claims that we cannot and should not rely on shared public programs for our future. They offer real solutions, not just sloganeering on an issue that should concern all Americans."

(

Marilyn Moon, Vice President and Director of the Health Program, American Institutes for Research, Former Trustee of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds

) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801888646
• ISBN-13: 978-0801888649
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must" Read This Presidential Election Year, June 10, 2008

By 

M. M. Osako (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America (Paperback)

"Aging Nation" is both highly informative and carefully reasoned. The co-authors, James Schulz, a well known economist, and Robert Binstock, a widely respected political scientist, have succeeded in combining several decades of work in their respective disciplines to produce a highly readable book for the general public.

Covering a variety of issues, ranging from retirement and Social Security to healthcare, the authors first present prevailing views followed by their careful analysis based on data as well as relevant historical precedents. For example, in discussing the current Social Security crisis, the authors remind us of a "modest but effective reform developed by The National Commission on Social Security Reform" (chaired by Alan Greenspan) under the Reagan administration "that put Social Security on a sound basis for many decades to come. "

One of the major strengths of this book is its focus on current developments which are close to many readers' hearts and minds: What are the effects of stock market fluctuation on older Americans? How does "off-shoring" of work to developing nations affect older Americans' chance for keeping or finding employment? Is it relevant to blame older people for the current healthcare crisis? The co-authors address these and other issues in a lucid manner.

Because of its attention to various issues demanding policy decisions, this book is especially relevant this Presidential election year. For anyone wishing to formulate a reasoned and well-informed opinion on the candidates' positions on economic security, retirement, health care and related issues, this is a "must" read.


M.M. Osako, Ph.D.

Chicago, IL

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Reframing of the Politics and Economics of Aging, February 13, 2008

By 

Eric R. Kingson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America (Hardcover)

An outstanding, readable and credible overview of the economic and political implications of the aging of America... James Schulz and Robert Binstock, two highly-respected scholars, reject sensational and ideologically-driven claims that America cannot afford to support tomorrow's elders, that today's young will be overwhelmed by pension and health care costs for tomorrow's old.

The authors identify and discuss strains in the nation's public and private retirement and health security systems. The diverse circumstances of today's and tomorrow's elderly populations are examined. Problems in the occupationally-based health insurance system (including declines in retiree health insurace protection) are discussed as combining with overseas job competition, declines in employer pension protections and stock market fluctuations to shift risk onto individuals and their families. Schulz's and Binstock's analysis highlights the importance of maintaining the nation's commitment to the social insurance approachas exemplified by Social Security and Medicare -- the foundations of the nation's retirement and health security system. Their political and economic analysis shows how this can be accomplished and identifies trade-offs of various proposals.

"Aging Nation" is a valuable resource for those seeking a fresh and reasoned discussion about choices and complexities, challenges and opportunities, surrounding the 60 year transition of the 78 million persons born between 1946 and 1964 through their middle years and then into their early- and finally advanced-old ages. In discussing this demographic change, the authors examine the implications for differing age groups, taxpayers, employers and families.

A public service and an unquestionably useful book for students, decision-makers, the reading public and scholars... "Aging Nation" should find its ways onto the shelves of many libraries and into the hands of those shaping national discourse about population aging and the future of Social Security, Medicare and related policies.

Eric R. Kingson
Professor of Social Work and Public Administration
Syracuse University

5.0 out of 5 stars A look America's problem of the impeding retirement of its baby boomer generation, July 8, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America (Paperback)

When the social security system was invented, few people lived past the age of seventy. But in the modern era, it's almost a given that seeing eighty is an easy feat. "Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America" is a look America's problem of the impeding retirement of its baby boomer generation. Postulating that the collapse of Social Security is not entirely unavoidable, "Aging Nation" is an in depth look at every aspect of age and its politics, not just concerning Social Security but health care and many other issues as well. Highly recommended for community library economics collections.