What is even more important the number of such persons unable to take care of themselves is growing at a threatening pace. More and more our population is becoming urban and industrial instead of rural and agricultural. The evidence is impressive that among industrial workers the younger men and women are preferred over the older. In time of retrenchment the older are commonly the first to go, and even if retained, their wages are likely to be lowered. The plight of men and women at so low an age as 40 is hard, almost hopeless, when they are driven to seek for reemployment.
Statistics are in the brief.
A few illustrations will be chosen from many there collected. In the other 153 plants there were no fixed limits, but in practice few were hired if they were over 50 years of age. Approximately three out of four persons 65 or over were probably dependent wholly or partially on others for support. The problem is plainly national in area and dimensions. Moreover laws of the separate states cannot deal with it effectively.