Topic: Aging and the Elderly

The Monitor's View: Why Social Security must change now

True, it is not in as dire shape as Medicare. But this bedrock program is still a concern, and in 2010, it actually ran a deficit.

Health care law's future: four scenarios

One year ago, President Barack Obama signed a sweeping health-care law to fulfill a long-standing Democratic pledge to ensure health-care coverage for all Americans. Passage of the law was a major legislative victory for Obama and helped change the political landscape, but not always in the way Democrats had hoped. Republicans strongly opposed the law and successfully worked public skepticism about it into sweeping election victories in November. Here's a look at the uncertain future of the health care law:

The Monitor's View: NYSE merger: Lessons from Germany Inc.

A German company looks set to acquire America's capitalist icon, the New York Stock Exchange. It's one more example of German economic prowess, and a chance for the US to learn from 'Germany Inc.'

How retirement is being reinvented worldwide

People are working longer – out of necessity and choice – as the world undergoes one of the biggest demographic shifts in history.

In Britain, a mail carrier's hard route

In Japan, starting a second career as a cabby

Japan's population ages: Will it put its elderly back to work?

Japan's aging population threatens the Japanese standard of living, argues guest blogger Stefan Karlsson. One solution is to dramatically raise the retirement age.

From marijuana to 'sexting': new laws set to take effect Jan. 1

In all, 45 states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico passed 31,005 new laws in 2010. Some of them will come into effect with the new year. Here is a sampling of some of the trends in lawmaking in 2010.

Medicare and Social Security advocates nervous about tax cut deal

Medicare and Social Security advocates worry that entitlements face restructuring under the new deal brokered between President Obama and the GOP.

Retirement age at 69? Deficit plan hits Social Security.

Retirement age would rise to 69 by 2075 as one of the reforms proposed in a draft plan from President Obama's deficit commission.

Social Security, Medicare, Pentagon slashed by deficit commission

Under the proposal, Medicare spending, Social Security, the Pentagon's budget, and earmarks would be curtailed in a plan that cuts $3 in spending for every $1 in tax increases.

Sharron Angle fails to topple Nevada Sen. Harry Reid

Sharron Angle, a tea party favorite, couldn't ride the Republican wave that swept across the nation. Democrat Sen. Harry Reid survived for a fifth term. Angle hints her political ambitions may not be over.

Don't need that fuel subsidy? In Britain, you can donate it.

A new British charitable program allows the well-to-do to donate their government fuel subsidy.

Like France, will US soon move to boost retirement age?

The prospect of a higher official retirement age infuriates many French. Boosting the age limit in the US is one way to help make Social Security solvent, many economists say. Would Americans be just as mad?

Five noteworthy aspects of Britain's tough spending plan

Britain announced budget cuts Wednesday that are part of a five-year austerity plan and the largest public spending reductions since World War II. Cuts will average 19 percent for most departments, but welfare benefits take a strong hit and some departments' budgets will be trimmed by as much as 23 percent.

France strikes disrupting access to airports

France strikes: Protesters opposed to raising France's retirement age are blocking or disrupting access to airports in Paris and around France.

Violent turn to French strikes could backfire on union protesters

French strikes over pension reforms turned violent today as hard-line elements from an oil-workers union vowed to press on.