vv HEN the Social Security Act was adopted in 1935, two programs for providing economic security for persons aged 65 and over were established-old-age insurance and old-age assistance. The insurance program provided for benefits on retirement to workers engaged in certain categories of employment. Subsequent legislation advanced the beginning date for payment of the monthly insurance benefits, ...

T HRBE out of every 10 persons aged 65 and over in the United States are widows. The lower mortality rate of women compared with that of men, the fact that on the aarerage wives are younger than their husbands, and the lengthening life expectancy of the population, all combine to increase the importance of widowhood as a problem in old age. Recognition of this problem led Congress in 1939 to pr...

Even under the 1950 amendments to the Social Security Act, there are many aged persons in this country who are not able to qualify for benefits under the old-age and survivors insurance program. Some of them, as their opportunities for employment and ability to work decline, are forced to apply for oldage assistance. Before the amendments, of course, the number of such persons tvas greater. The...

Many older people in developed countries are overweight or obese. The prevalence is increasing as more people reach old age already overweight. Obesity in old age is associated with increased morbidity and a reduction in quality of life. The relative increase in mortality is less in older than young adults and the body weight associated with maximal survival increases with advancing age. Althou...