US

Report: Social Security Reform: Possible Effects on the Elderly Poor and Mitigation Options (April 2008)
This comprehensive report prepared by CRS Report for Congress studies the effects of the Social Security benefit reductions on low-income older persons in the US. Researchers focus on four different ways of mitigating the effects of Social Security changes and analyze their effects on poor older people in the US. 

Report: 2008 Cost of Care Survey; Home Care Providers, Adult Day Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes (April 2008)
What are the care options available today for old people and how much does long-term care cost in the US? The survey analyzes data from 10,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care providers and adult day care facilities in 50 states and in DC. The researchers offer a five-year historical view of trends that will help older persons make an informed decision if they need to choose some kind of long-term care. 

Report: A New Look at the Wealth Adequacy of Older U.S. Households (April 2008)
The multiple authors of this report construct two measures for evaluating the current wealth adequacy of older US households. The authors say that “comparing the leading edge of the baby boomers in 2006 to households of the same age in 1998, we find that the baby boomers show slightly less wealth, in real terms, than their elders did, and single boomers show a bit higher incidence of “inadequacy” than did their elders.” In short, it appears that boomers are entering old age in worse shape financially than did those eight years earlier. 

Report: Older Americans 2008: Key Indicators of Well-Being (April 2008)
In 2030, adults over 65 will represent 20% of the population. To measure the well-being of older Americans, this report uses 38 indicators and one special feature related to health and economics. It finds that older Americans are living longer and enjoying more prosperity than any previous generation. Despite these advances, inequalities between the sexes, among income groups, and among racial and ethnic groups continue to exist. For example, inequalities between “white” and “black” households are huge; the median net worth of a “white” household is six times larger than that of a “black” household. Read the report and examine the charts for extensive details.

WORLD

Report: Canada: Retiring Together, or Not (April 2008) 
Do dual-earning couples synchronize the timing of their retirements or not? The authors of this study investigated the changes in spousal patterns of retirement in Canada. Evidence indicates that since the 1990s retirements have become increasingly disjointed with husbands and wives retiring four or more years after their spouse. Why? Such couples make their decision based on age differences, health conditions, pension eligibility, job loss and career aspirations.