What Effect Will America's Elderly Have on National Security in the Year 2010

This paper was written to assess the potential impact America's elderly will have on national security by the year 2010. America's elderly population (people 65 years and above) is growing at an alarming rate. Since 1965, the number of Americans over 65 has tripled. Improved technology and better health care have resulted in a celebration of an increased life expectancy for most Americans. Yet, it will be short-sighted to fail to recognize the increased problems associated with the growing number of people living to a ripe old age. This case study contains information concerning the elderly's income, employment, health, and political power. The conclusion reveals that there is growing evidence that by the year 2010, the elderly will have significant impact on national security. Their new found power will be the result of political and economic strength developed over the years which will directly influence the shaping of U.S. national security and domestic policies. The aging society continues to make reasonable demands for a high quality of life. Yet, the question is, who will pay for the health care? And how? The answers are complex and have political implications.