The Elderly as a Political Community: The Case of National Health Policy

Does the rising number of elderly in the national population presage the elderly demonstrating bloc-like electoral behavior? Evidence for the emerging of bloc behavior is sought in survey samples of voter opinion toward aspects of national health policy. Findings from these studies is consonant with the interpretation that at least as far as national health policy, a particularly salient issue for the elderly, the elderly population offers a coherent, self-conscious response which transcends previous ideological and partisan attitudes, opinions, and loyalties. As American politics becomes increasingly a competition among different lifestyles for recognition, legitimacy and public resource, the elderly may become a more clearly discernible community of interests and demands.