Facing old age : $b a study of old age dependency in the United States and old age pensions

The work opens with a clear call for social action, setting the stage for a thorough examination of how America treats its aging citizens. It traces the growing awareness of old‑age dependency in the early twentieth century, noting the shift from purely private charity toward public responsibility. By linking contemporary debates to a broader international awakening, the author shows why the issue can no longer be ignored.

The study then maps out the many forces that push seniors into need—waning earnings, unemployment, family breakdowns, and industrial hazards—before turning to the patchwork of relief already in place. Readers hear detailed discussions of individual savings, corporate and governmental pensions, and the role of fraternal and union benefits. Comparative chapters explore how other nations have organized voluntary, contributory, and non‑contributory schemes, offering a rich context for evaluating possible reforms in the United States.