In an age when the destiny of social security and health care is at the epicentre of political discussion and debate, a balanced perspective on these issues is essential - particularly as it concerns the elderly. This work offers social workers, policy analysts, political scientists, sociologists, and others concerned about the fate of the elderly a complete range of viewpoints on this vital subject. Four essays support the generational equity argument - that a disproportionate amount of taxpayers dollars is spent on the elderly -and present alternatives. another four essays suggest generational interdependence, contending that the notion of an "entitlement crisis" is an exaggeration, serving only to divide young and old. The final two essays represent opposing views from generation X spokespeople, one warning of the possibility of a generational war if social security spending is not restrained, the other calling for modernization of social security to improve its community-enhancement and poverty-reduction goals.