In chapter 15 the reader could refer back to the early chapters where they learn how our society has increased in elderly people. It would help the reader understand this chapter a little better. This chapter introduces elderly people in a political sense which they have a strong political power.
Although in the early 1900s the life of an elder was not the best because of the recession it overcame these obstacles through politics. There was a lot of help for elders around the 1930s, the Townshed Act then the Ham and Egg Movement and also Social Security was then introduced. Today the senior power is stronger than ever with their voting. Older voter turnout (those 65 and over) is generally double the voter turnout of young adults under 25 years of age (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Some even hold office such as presidency or congress. Some members in Congress are allowed to serve many years as an elder because of the many years served before. In the past decades there has been numerous interest groups and associations that their main purpose is helping elders. Examples would be the American Association of Retired Persons, National Council of Senior Citizens, American Association of Aging and others.
There is no doubt that the future is uncertain and the future of these programs to meet the needs of older people depends on the activism. The increasing number of seniors is not only as citizens but also in political power. This will make our future interesting and could help for when the young generation become seniors.
Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WASDWORTH
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