Robert J. Samuelson

As the American population continues to age, steps may need to be taken to avoid putting too much strain on the economy, specifically on benefit programs such as Social Security and Medicare. In the following viewpoint, Robert J. Samuelson argues that one solution is for older Americans to stay in the workforce beyond the normal retirement age. He contends that people in their sixties and seventies should not be automatically entitled to government benefits and should instead continue to contribute to society through work. Samuelson is a columnist for Newsweek and the Washington Post.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What complications does Samuelson note regarding his suggestion that people work longer?
2. According to the author, what percentage of Americans aged sixty-five or older live in nursing homes?
3. Why was...