Questions whether gerontologists are creating myth about families by emphasizing individual autonomy as independence without family interdependence and by advocating advance directives. Argues that another antifamily trend is developing despite empirical evidence showing that elderly persons prefer family to represent them in surrogate decision…

Most persons seem to respond to economic incentives in choosing when to retire. While changes in the social security system are likely to have only small effects on retirement behavior, larger impacts could ensue from altering incentives implicit in private pension plans. Important area for future research is transition process that follows end of…