America the Wise: The Longevity Revolution and the True Wealth of Nations - Hardcover

The times they are a-changin'--again. By the year 2020, people over 60 will account for 25 percent of the American population. Using this statistic as a departure point, Theodore Roszak speculates on the effects of such a demographic shift both on the nation's pocketbook and, more importantly, on its psyche. A long-time evangelist for the "baby boomers," Roszak basically argues in America the Wise that those born between 1946 and 1964 compose a great collective asset to the country, and their social value will only increase as its members move into their twilight years. Crowning them the "New People," Roszak proclaims them to be "the first generation of the senior dominance ... possessed of more political influence, greater wealth, and more vitality than any older generation before us." If in their youth the boomers were energetic, idealistic, and outspoken, then they are now compassionate, wise, powerful, and--thanks to modern medicine and a longer average life span--soon to have plenty of free time on their hands. Time which will be spent performing good deeds, according to Roszak's silver ball. Predicting nothing less than the dawn of a new social ethic of altruism and hope, he proclaims that "the longevity revolution ... may one day be seen as an environmentally imperative stage in the history of our society." Looks like they didn't miss their chance to save the world, after all.

Refuting a spate of recent studies nervously claiming that young people will be burdened by their aging parents even as their own Social Security dries up, Roszak concludes that older boomers will actually support their underemployed children monetarily, as well as provide other valuable services, such as caring for grandchildren while the parents work. An adamant defender of senior entitlements, he insists that the current Social Security program is not in the throes of a crisis nor heading for an inevitable meltdown. Even if left alone, he points out, the system would remain solvent through 2032; with a few subtle tweaks and refinements, Social Security should suffice well into the next century.

America the Wise is more concerned with ethics and cultural values than concrete policy proposals and economics. As a result, portions of the book read like a sentimental self-help guide to living a full life after retirement. Though his moral high-ground stance and feel-good rhetoric can be tiresome, Roszak does offer many compelling ideas on a wide range of topics, including corporate culture, advertising, biotechnology, family life, and an observant take on American youth. In all, his vision is to be admired, even if he oversimplifies at times. If, as Roszak writes, "The future belongs to maturity," then the coming revolution should prove a gentle one indeed. --Shawn Carkonen

Theodore Roszak is a professor of history. He has been nominated twice for a National Book Award and has been a Guggenheim Fellow. He currently lives in Berkely, California.