The commitment on the part of the national government to provide some assistance to the elderly began in the 1930s, but in the last decade or so, this commitment has substantially increased. (Author/AM)

America's elderly are affected in very special ways by the law: some as a result of special legislation or court decisions, some deriving from the objective life-situation of certain old people, and some from the special prejudices that are visited upon the elderly. (Author)

This article discusses the issues surrounding community alternatives to institutional care. (Author/AM)

Innovative housing designs are needed for the growing number of elderly Americans who suffer because of the limited living options provided by inflexible housing. Creative alternatives include double houses, shared living, intergenerational housing, and adaptable houses. Long-term planning is needed to construct an attractive environment that does…

This paper examines the circumstances of the elderly poor and suggests that a separate system of income maintenance and services would be a more efficient policy for meeting their needs than the present system of lumping them together with other welfare recipients. (Author/AM)

Analyzes demographic and health trends during the Reagan years. Describes the current nature of health care, federal role, effects of the fiscal crisis on health policy, and repercussions of deregulation of the health-care industry. Presents issues that need to be addressed to prevent severe fragmentation of health care. (MW)