Medicine and the Aged

Current Congressional interest in delaying or abolishing the age of obligatory retirement is an expression of the growing political strength of our elderly, who now number 23 million over the age of 65. Population projections indicate that by the year 2030 they will number 50 millions and their voice in national policy undoubtedly will increase. Through established political institutions they can markedly affect our youth-oriented culture. But whatever their impact will be on our society generally, their effect on medical care is already pronounced and will only increase.Since the introduction of Medicare the elderly have become increasing consumers of . . .