AMERICANS WORRY MUCH ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY

Dr M.V. Pillai at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, says older parents in the US are more concerned about issues of health, income and religion. Most European countries have well-knit social security coverage so that parents can confidently march to their sunset years. In the US, a sudden illness can plunge an average family into bankruptcy. Empty nesters are not bothered about children leaving homes because even a high school grad lands a reasonably good job. Traditional support systems are shrinking, leaving older parents to look for support elsewhere. There is no salvation in religion because only 15 per cent of Christians go to church, implying less of religious networking. In times of economic downturn, children may return to parents. This will further vitiate domestic finances and make life miserable for families.