Older People

Rising Proportion of Older People in Citizenry

Aging of its population and the widespread industrialization of its economy have been forcing the United States to pay increased heed to the problems of older people. Passage of the Social Security Act in 1935 signified acceptance of the fact that the traditional conception of this country as a young nation of young people had lost its validity. That act, in addition to setting up a system of unemployment compensation, gave federal recognition to the problems of older persons by making provisions for old-age insurance and old-age assistance.

Statistical records and projections clearly indicate that the problems of older people will demand more and more attention as the years pass. Between 1900 and 1940 the ...