This text provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and policy issues associated with individual and population aging. It has a strong policy focus based on demographic and economic analysis, making it both accessible and challenging to readers with limited mathematical background. The discussion concentrates on the key areas of: the effects of population aging in the US and other nations; the economic well-being of the elderly, highlighting women and minorities; public and private programmes providing income for the elderly such as the Social Security system; Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance; employer-based retirement programmes and pensions; and retirement patterns and factors influencing retirement decisions. Throughout the text the analysis compares and contrasts the situation in the US to that in other developed and developing countries, providing a comprehensive international picture of the consequences of aging. Additionally, each chapter engages the reader through practical examples in side boxes, and stimulates further investigation by providing practice questions with relevant website addresses. ÍNDICE: Acknowledgements Introduction Part I: Population Aging and the Income of the Elderly: 1. The Graying of America and the World 2. The Economic Well-being of Older Americans Part II: Retirement Planning and Policies: 3. Economics of Retirement and Old Age 4. Work and Retirement 5. Retirement Policies and Pension Plans Part III: Social Security Programs and Reforms: 6. Social Security Benefits and Program Objectives: Individual Perspectives 7. Social Security Financing and Reform Issues 8. Disability Policy Part IV: Health and Long Term Care for Older Persons: 9. The Financing and Delivery of Acute Health Care Services 10. Additional Health Issues: Long Term Care Index