trategies. If steps are not taken, not only are there increasing numbers of elderly people in the United States, but their life expectancies are increasing as well. Life expectancy at birth and at age 65 is increasing for both sexes. This means that Americans will be living longer in their elderly stage and will require a larger amount of money to support themselves after retirement. This can be seen by theses figures. In the 1950s there were approximately eight working-age Americans for every person over 65 years old. By 2030, there will be just two working-age Americans for every person older than 65. Also, fewer workers will be available to support the increasing number of retirees. The primary causes of the growth in Social Security that is projected to occur over the next several decades are not factors that can be controlled. The program's growth will be driven by the "graying" of America, an increasing cost of living, and a higher standard of living (as reflected in higher wages). Until serious reforms are undertaken, the American people will rightly lack confidence in the financial stability of Social Security. As social welfare takes a larger and larger portion of the "American Pie", there will also have to be cuts in other areas. And I think that the defence expenses will be cut in the near future. I also think there will have to come new social welfare programmes, such as the one President Clinton has suggested. A harsher welfare system than before, where you only get welfare (not Medicare) for five years, then you need to get money from somewhere else. As Clinton puts it: "Welfare should not be a way of life, but a second chance.." An institution which will grow significantly is "The Assisted Living Industry", those who are to take care of the elderly in the future. This will happen particularly because of the ageing of the American population, the dramatic increase in number of persons age 85 or older, and continued increas...
