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 <a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-chappel/golden-years/9781541619524/">Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age</a>, 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: <ul>
<li>Peter Quinn on <a href="https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/paring-down-letting-go">aging, aging, and gratitude</a>
</li>
<li>Rand Richards Cooper on <a href="https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/burdens-blesings">caring for aging parents</a>
</li>
<li>James Chappel on <a href="https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/future-social-security">material insecurity</a>
</li>
<li>Charles Morris on the <a href="https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/future-social-security">future of social security</a>
</li>
</ul>

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Ep. 146 - Aging in America

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