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CHOICE Review

The authors (economists, political scientists, and a theologian) argue in ten concise and generally well written chapters that improvements in the income and health status of most elderly require a fundamental reappraisal of the prevailing mix of public and private approaches to meeting the long-term elderly needs. The authors would continue a public responsibility, but target it to the most vulnerable while placing increased reliance on private-sector approaches for the majority. In defense of that argument, contributors examine the economic status of the elderly; the assumptions and factors determining current health policies; the increasing burden of elderly entitlements on health-care expenditure levels; potential tax and fiscal policies; trends in retirement; the ability of private approaches to meet the diverse needs of the elderly; and the need to maintain an acceptable degree of equity between generations and different income groups. Can be viewed as a companion volume to The Economics and Ethics of Long-Term Care and Disability also edited by Sullivan and Lewin (1988). For a different view of the necessary and appropriate role of the public sector, see Alice M. Rivlin and Joshua M. Wiener, Caring for the Disabled Elderly: Who Will Pay (CH, Feb'89). Most chapters footnoted. University and large public library collections. -J. M. Glasgow, University of Connecticut Health Center