Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part deals with the “political economy” of aging, a phrase that conveys the degree to which economic considerations affect political decisions and vice versa. This linkage is especially important in the United States because of its underdeveloped social welfare system, so that the elderly must compete with other constituencies for political attention. The part shows how the elderly have become convenient scapegoats for economic problems such as the soaring budget deficit or the rising costs of health care. It provides the difficulties in expecting other institutions—local and state government, business, or the family—to supplement or supplant the federal system, or to guarantee greater fairness in the distribution of benefits. The part suggests that provision of flexible leave policies for eldercare should be combined with business support of community programs for all older people.