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have considered means testing (reducing benefits for individuals with higher incomes) and/or raising the age of eligibility for payout (the age is currently sixty-six, after being raised from sixty-five). The most popular proposal, however, is to broaden the taxable wage base that funds Social Security.14 As of 2008, Social Security has been funded by a 6 percent tax on wages up to $102,000. Wages above that level were not taxed for Social Security purposes. Historically, the intent of the taxable wage cap was to draw from 90 percent of payroll earnings without overburdening those who earn higher wages. However, today’s wage base for Social Security no longer includes 90 percent of payroll earnings because wages above the taxable maximum have increased more rapidly than wages in general. If the wage base were changed to match the historically intended levels, the maximum taxable wage would be $203,000.15 This adjustment would significantly increase projections for Social Security solvency.

We deserve financial security throughout our retirement.

Social Security should remain a public, government-run program.

We deserve to see our political leaders resolve the solvency issues that will burden future generations.

ABUSE, DISCRIMINATION, AND EXPLOITATION

Older people are vulnerable to victimization. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of reports of elder abuse—including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse—are made to social services agencies every year. Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is common as well. It frequently occurs among family members and is difficult to enforce. Living trusts, which give outside parties decision-making power over funds, sometimes allow conservators and guardians to mismanage property. Older people deserve opportunities to seek redress in court in cases of exploitation and abuse, regardless of their ability to pay an attorney’s fees. Elder abuse and exploitation must be categorized as criminal offenses and properly enforced.

We deserve support in our court system even if we cannot pay for attorneys.

We deserve to be safe from abuse and exploitation.

Age discrimination at work is another form of exploitation. Significant progress was made with the passage of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which prohibited mandatory retirement in most professions. However, the ADEA does not permit victims of age discrimination to recover compensatory or punitive damages. Unlike other forms of discrimination legislation, the ADEA lacks stipulations that would serve as a deterrent to age discrimination. Futhermore, greater awareness needs to be given to subtle forms of age discrimination that persist in the workplace. Many older workers are disadvantaged at their jobs because they are denied opportunities for training, promotions, or access to benefits. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the ADEA is dependent on the responsiveness of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC is responsible for monitoring and enforcing federal employment discrimination law.

We deserve greater protection from discrimination in the workplace.

Ways for Seniors to Keep Working

Employers should support opportunities for older individuals to work by offering flex-time and part-time arrangements. Telecommuting and job sharing can make employment feasible for older individuals who want to maintain a work-life balance. For many, working more years is a preferred plan. Workers generally do not benefit from early retirement, because it can reduce their Social Security and/or pension payments for the rest of their lives. Additionally, staying employed after sixty-five provides social interaction, a sense of purpose, and mental stimulation. Do not forget, companies that retain older workers fare better. Older employees have proven to be more careful, with lower rates of on-the-job injuries. They report a high level of morale and loyalty to their employers. Although teenagers are often given frontline jobs as cashiers or service representatives, older workers are often better equipped to think