The State of Israel provides significant opportunities to study social processes that can enhance our understanding of the aging experience. It has high life expectancy and rapid growth of its older population. With an older cohort that is composed largely of former immigrants and includes a minority Arab population, Israel provides much diversity…

People aged 55 and older are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in much of the developed world. While they have seen tremendous changes in technology and everyday living over their lifetime, some of the biggest societal changes are those that they themselves are helping to make. In the U.S., these mature individuals can expect to live…

The oldest of the baby boomers (boomers) were age 63 in 2009 and on the verge of retirement. This cohort has had a history of making societal changes throughout its life cycle, and it is unlikely that retirement, as we know it, will remain unscathed. This article highlights two events--the Stonewall Inn riots and two prominent professional…

Traces development of pensions for retired teachers from 1891 to the 1930s. Presents excerpts from educational literature and primary sources such as letters and speeches to indicate various attitudes toward salaries, cost of living, financial problems of public school administration, and legislation mandating teacher retirement pay. (Author/DB)

Experiences of six couples in a pre-retirement workshop pilot project. (RB)

Japan's rapidly aging population has become a top policy issue, especially as the increasing costs of pensions and medical care are debated. With the highest life expectancy on earth, the Japanese potentially face long periods of retirement, as well as the possibility of long periods of disability. Although family support of the elderly is thought…

The baby boom generation--those born during the post-World War II years 1946 through 1964--has a track record of rebellion that has caused startling cultural and social transformations, including rock 'n' roll, the peace movement, civil rights, and agendas we can be less proud of. Reports indicate that this generation is again poised to create a…

Looks at aging from three perspectives: (1) a young person who notices thinning hair; (2) an older friend who is thinking about suicide if the quality of her life deteriorates; and (3) one leading a seminar on "Your New Life," for retirees considering a move. Describes the new meanings of aging in the socioeconomic context. (JOW)

Article discussed courses designed for those who have retired and who have involvement with the social and psychological changes that are part of aging. (RK)

Since 1999 the complex reform of the old-age pension system was introduced in Poland and the process of changes is still ongoing. The multi-pillar system replaced the pay-as-you-go system. Voluntary third pillar will guarantee higher pensions for those that decide to save more. However, the systemic changes were placed in the new market economy…

In the Federal Republic of Germany, a welfare state, the elderly profit from social security measures to a lesser extent than does the rest of the population. As of yet, the older population has had very little importance in the political arena. Many policy outcomes directly affecting the living conditions of the older population are uncontrolled…

It has sometimes been proposed that, as the physical prowess of aging people wanes, the nature of their public service may change: if they are no longer able to provide the community with mechanical energy, they nevertheless perform important functions in public situations, their contribution shifting in a sense from power to modeled guidance. In…

Details findings of an OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) study concerning the social and labor market implications of aging populations. The article includes a demographic profile, impact on social expenditures, and the response of policymakers. (CT)

Retirement communities such as Sun City, Arizona, are a significant geographical phenomenon in contemporary U.S. society. The reasons for the evolution of Sun City as a popular migration destination and the geographical implications of large-scale residential segregation among the elderly are discussed. (RM)

Reviews concepts of aging, and questions models of the relationship between education, work, and leisure in light of profound changes in life cycles. Contrasts the "training-work-retirement" model with the transformation of paid work and new scenarios for leaving the labor market. Discusses the demand for continuing education of aging populations.…