Geriatric care and distributive justice: Problems and prospects

An introduction to this journal issue that addresses various aspects of distributive justice & the provision of medical & other services to the elderly (see abstracts of various articles in SA 35:5). The articles demonstrate that marketplace forces have been singularly unsuccessful in meeting the needs of the elderly; even in the US, the funding of medical care for the elderly had to be removed from the private sector by the introduction of Medicare in 1965. It is concluded that elimination of private-for-profit practice from social & medical service provision for the elderly is essential if their needs are to be met. The principles of equity, uniformity, & public accountability are presented as appropriate ideological alternatives. 22 References. Modified HA