Economics of an Aging Society - by Robert L Clark & Richard V Burkhauser & Marilyn Moon & Joseph F Quinn & Timothy M Smeeding (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Written by leading thinkers in the field, this text provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and policy issues associated with individual and population aging. The text has a strong policy focus based on demographic and economic analysis, making this book both accessible and challenging to readers with limited mathematical background.

• Written by leading thinkers in the field of the economics of aging.
  
• Employs a strong policy focus based on demographic and economic analysis.
  
• Provides a comprehensive international picture of the consequences of aging.
  
• Engages the reader through side boxes, relevant website addresses, and practice questions.

From the Back Cover

Written by leading thinkers in the field, this text provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and policy issues associated with the aging of individuals and populations. With a strong policy focus based on demographic and economic study, this book focuses on "who gets what" from current and proposed government programs that impact on older persons, and how these affect individual behaviour. It does so in a straightforward manner that is accessible to readers with a range of mathematical backgrounds. The discussion concentrates on:

• the effects of aging populations on the United States and other nations;


• the economic wellbeing of the elderly, highlighting women and minorities;


• public and private programs providing income for the elderly;


• Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance;


• Social Security and Medicare reform options;


• employer-based retirement programs and pensions;


• retirement patterns and factors influencing retirement decisions.

The authors draw from the experiences of other countries in evaluating the US experience and options. Additionally, each chapter engages the reader through practical examples and stimulates further investigation by providing practice questions with relevant website addresses.

Review Quotes

"A very well balanced appraisal of the enormous benefits as well as the real challenges facing the United States and our social insurance programs in the twenty-first century. This excellent text will help both students and policy makers to be better informed about the economics of population aging as well as the direct and indirect consequences of alternative actions." Kenneth Apfel, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas

"The Economics of an Aging Society should be required reading in any economics or policy course for gerontology students. What is new and praiseworthy about the text is its melding of economic and policy analyses. The reader is given the context and models to understand the economic choices that governments, firms, and individuals must make in an aging society. The book is ultimately empowering." Charles Longino, Wake Forest University

"A valuable new contribution to the understanding of current economic challenges and responsive policy options facing aging societies. The authors provide useful illustrations of how economic data are used in evaluating policy options, addressing complex issues such as retirement, income maintenance, social security, and health care." George L. Maddox, Duke University Center for Aging

"This book is a useful compendium that addresses the problems of financing and providing care for a growing elderly population in the US. Although the authors intended this book to be used as a textbook, individual chapters might serve as supplemental reading for courses that cover more targeted topics, such as poverty, social insurance, or healthcare. The book would also be a useful addition to a reference collection on programs available to the elderly in the US." Lois B. Shaw, Feminist Economics

About the Author

Robert L. Clark is Professor of Economics at North Carolina State University.

Richard V. Burkhauser is the Sarah Gibson Blanding Professor of Policy Analysis and Chair of the Department of Policy Analysis and Management in the College of Human Ecology, Cornell University.

Marilyn Moon is Vice President and Director of Health at the American Institutes for Research.

Joseph F. Quinn is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston College.Timothy M. Smeeding is Maxwell Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Syracuse University.