Risking Old Age In America

by Richard J. Margolis

Overview

Originally published in 1990. Research into the provison made for the 30 million Americans, aged sixty-five and up, whom society calls "old."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781000310207
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/18/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	202
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

R. J Margolis

Table of Contents

Prologue -- Introduction The Civic Heart -- The Search for Security -- Income: A Tale of Two Programs -- Health: The Gift Repossessed -- Shelter: Bring Us to This Hovel -- The Struggle for Independence -- Home Care: The Dream Deferred -- A Personal History -- Exile: The Perils of Institutionalization -- Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

One out of every three Americans lives in poverty. There is, however, a growing political perception that the elderly are ``too numerous, too affluent and in regard to their claim on the federal exchequer, too demanding.'' Margolis, under the auspices of Families USA Foundation (formerly the Villers Foundation), examines how social and economic programs created during the New Deal to lessen threats of impoverishment and dependency have been undercut by the recent policies of Reaganomics. His discussions of the weakening of the ``safety net'' for the elderly are reminiscent of those of social reformists like Michael Harrington ( The Other America , Macmillan, 1962), although Margolis's recommendations for change are perhaps less innovative. Interviews and personal accounts add to the book's readability and popular appeal. See also Lifetrends by Jerry Gerber & others, reviewed in this issue, p.148.--Ed. -- Karen McNally Bensing, The Benjamin Rose Inst. Lib., Cleveland

Library Journal

Interweaving interviews with elderly Americans and examinations of federal social welfare policies, Margolis (columnist, The New leader) portrays old age, its attendant hazards, and its changing status in national policy debate. He also proposes specific steps the nation can take to ensure elderly independence. Paper edition (unseen), $14.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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