National policy makers have put forth different life cycle planning proposals for the more satisfying integration of education, work and leisure over the life course. This speech describes a decision making scheme, the Time Paradigm, for researched-based choice among various proposals. The scheme is defined in terms of a typology of time-related concepts of sequence, duration, rate, rhythm, recurrence, routine, synchronization, age, period, and cohort in an integrated method. The model's comparative analysis of: the Sugarman Sabbatical Plan, the Gosta Rehn Public Insurance System, the Santa Clara "Cafeteria Plan" and the Marziale Flexible Retirement Plan test its practical applicability. The Time Paradigm selects the Santa Clara Plan because of its potential for dealing with the life course problems of all age groups, as well as those of the elderly, as the preferred plan for national implementation. (Author/LS)