Episode Details

Fights over federal spending usually follow a predictable pattern, with Republicans attempting to cut entitlement programs as Democrats seek to expand the social safety net. 

One thing that’s rarely threatened, though, is Social Security, a testament to the political clout of “older people”—formerly known as “senior citizens” in America.

How did things get that way? 

On this episode, historian James Chappel speaks about his recent book Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age, which details the creation of Social Security as it criticizes the failure of the political left to make its benefits more broadly available. 

For further reading: 

• Peter Quinn on aging, aging, and gratitude
• Rand Richards Cooper on caring for aging parents
• James Chappel on material insecurity
• Charles Morris on the future of social security