Boomer Bust? [Two Volumes]: Economic and Political Issues of the Graying Society

Seventy-six million Baby Boomers are careening toward retirement in the U.S. Demographic shifts toward aging populations are taking place around the Western wor...ld, as a variety of factors--biological, technological, medical, and socio-cultural--are extending life spans. Meanwhile, birth rates are declining. The scaremongers argue that this generational shift is going to be disastrous: It will result in skyrocketing tax rates, lower retirement and health benefits, higher inflation, increased unemployment and poverty, political instability, and a host of other societal ills. But will it? In Boomer Bust?, Robert Hudson assembles leading authors from fields such as economics, political science, and finance to separate fact from fiction, highlight the terms of debate, and showcase innovative policies that will prevent disaster from occurring. From topics like Social Security to older people rejoining the workforce to the elderly as a political lobby, this two-volume set covers the gamut of economic, political, financial, and business issues related to aging. Besides a demographic and social profile of the Boomer generation, sections cover Boomers and: --The Economy: Savings rates, financial prospects, work and retirement, taxes. --Aging: Health care risks, labor-force participation, relations with other generations, age discrimination. --Public Policy: Entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security, private pensions, provision for chronic care and disability, flexible work policies. --Personal Finance: "Financial gerontology," entrepreneurship, financial planning, estate planning, work redesign. --Civic Challenges: Volunteerism, life-long education, positive aging, philanthropy.-Society: Generational conflict, living "small," mobility challenges, elder care, employment in geriatric fields. The Boomer generation will leave one of the largest footprints the world has yet seen. In retirement, as in all else, this generation is blazing a path affecting succeeding generations profoundly. Boomer Bust? charts a path through the thicket of personal and public policy choices facing not just Baby Boomers but all of society.Detailed info »« Brief info