In chapter 9 the reader learns about the lifestyles of the elderly and their income. There has been a decline in poverty between the elderly from 1974 to 2006. As of today the household income of a person 65 or older does not differ much from a younger adult household.
There are many disadvantaged people such as women, minorities and poorly educated people. These people have not been as lucky as others income wise. An interesting fact about this chapter is that even though some elderly people who own their home may seem to be doing good, but that is not the case always. Some home owners do not get enough income to sustain their home therefore they would have to obtain a reverse mortgage. Social Security is a big factor for elderly people, for some it is good and for others not so much. For people that were 65 and still working they were penalized until they turned 70. A controversial statement in this chapter is that although Social Security was designed to supplement pensions or retirement savings rather than be the source of retirement income, it is exactly what it continues to be (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Usually if an elder is eligible for Social Security they are eligible for Medi-care. This helps many elderly people although there are some obstacles. People who live in rural areas often live to far from a health care center and elders in urban areas lack transportation and are often homeless.
The thing that older people are looking for is a good life. They want to live good and happy their last years. The reader can learn from this chapter that as a whole community can help their elders. They are all responsible for the care of their citizens including their elderly poor.
Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 3-28) California: WADSWORTH.
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