Predicts declining confidence in Social Security, questioning of public's responsibility for elderly, organization proliferation, anticipated labor shortages, and trend to reengage in mainstream society. Sees result as greater emphasis on elderly's productive potential and a "common human need" policy in aging field. (Author/CM)

Age/work policies tending to exclude the elderly from the workforce include underlying social, cultural and psychological mechanisms. Four ideal-typical models are discussed: employer rationality; rivalry; time preference; and stereotyping. Policy-oriented research is relevant to legal and constitutional issues of age discrimination. (Author)