Aging Issues

This booklet compiles GAO's fiscal year 1994 products and ongoing work on older Americans and their families. Because the elderly are one of the fastest growing segments of today's society, Congress faces a host of issues--ranging from demographic changes in the structure and role of the family to financing and provision of health care, Social Security, and pensions--in which the federal government will play an important role. This booklet summarizes 30 issued reports on policies and programs directed mainly at older Americans. Included in this section are reviews of health, income security, social services, and other topics. GAO also summarizes 59 reports in which older Americans were one of several groups targeted by federal policies. For example, Medicaid finances nursing homes and other types of long-term care, along with medical care for poor persons of all ages. In addition, this booklet describes testimonies delivered during fiscal year 1994 on subjects affecting older Americans and lists 55 ongoing jobs related to older Americans.

GAO noted that: (1) its work during FY 1994 covered a range of issues including federal government activities in employment, health care, housing, income security, and veterans' affairs; (2) some of its work during FY 1994 included reports on policies and programs that are directed primarily at older Americans, while other reports focused on issues that affect older Americans as one of several target groups; (3) its work during FY 1994 included congressional testimonies on issues related to older Americans; (4) health and income security were the leading issues addressed in GAO FY 1994 reports concerning older Americans; and (5) health and veterans affairs were the leading issues addressed in GAO FY 1994 reports concerning both older Americans and other groups.