The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1958-10-30
with Rep. John Henderson
Senior Citizens

SOIlSISSSSS nave dppIOdCliSQ
the problem of our nations older
citizens from many angles. The
Social Security program admin
istered by the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare,
and the Old Age Assistance pro-
gram administered by the vari-
Gus States with Federal contri-
buttons are two such measures.
The United States Public Health
Service for years has been direct
ing its attention toward health
problems of senior citizens. The
efforts of that agency as we'll
as the great wealth of medical
discoveries and accomplishments
have resulted in longer life ex-
pectancies for all Since 1900,
life expectancy has increased by
more than 20 years, and this
great blessing has been accom-
panied by shift of population
age groupings.
The problem of the employ
ment of older persons has not
been satisfactorily met. Too often
discrimination has been observed
in favor of younger applicants
for employment. BY specific
Congressional action, much of
this discrimination has been
abolished in Federal employment
although it is often encountered
still in private industry. Strange
ly enough, it is considerations
arising from Social Security and
some retirement plans for indus
trial employees which discour-
age the acceptance of older work
ers on employment rolls.
Various legislative plans have
been suggested to encourage
'jobs after forty" but none have
borne fruit. Some of these have
punitive aspects against employ
ers. However, the arguments
against compulsory programs are
strong. My own suggestion which
was embodied in my bill, HR
60l7, offered last year, proposed
tax advantages as incentives to
employers who will employ a
greater than normal percentage
of older workers, has received
some favorable comment in Con-
gress although no formal con-
sideration has been given to it.
The age handicap to employment
needs recognition and publicity
to bring about a public realiza-
ton of the widespread extent
and seriousness of the problem.
Legislation was considered in
the last Congress to provide
financing for home for older
citizens and advocacy has been
expressed to setting aside some
public housing units for elderly
persons in areas where public
housing exists. This proposal is
likely to be considered again
early in the 86th Congress.
For many Interpreters of the
problem, one other issue domin-
ateS all other considerations.
That is, the great need today
for economic stability which
will assure the beneficiaries of
Social Security, the old age reci-
pients, the retirement fund an
nuitants, and others living on
fixed incomes and savings that
the purchasing power of their
money will not be diminished by
an inflationary spiral. An i'm
portant mission of good govern
ment is to provide an atmosphere
| of confidence for these citizens
whose earning power has been
impaired, that the provisions
they have made for their later
days will be adequate to assure
them Of comfort and happiness
In an economic atmosphere OF
rising prices, initiation deprives
these millions of persons of more
and more of the good things in
life as the value of their dollars
shrinks. This is primary prob
lem to which all others are
secondary in evaluating the posi-
ton of the senior citizens in oul
nation.