“Gerontocracy” in America

I noticed a book excerpt in the Harvard Gazette yesterday (5 Aug 2026) that goes into some depth on a topic that is raised here on HD with some frequency, notably by R. D. Quinn, most recently with regard to the Social Security issue. The book in question is:

“Gerontocracy in America: How the Old Are Hoarding Power and Wealth ― and What to Do About It” by Samuel Moyn, J.D. ’01, and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

The argument is much more broad based than SS alone and provides much reasoned food for thought. Here is an excerpt from the longer posted excerpt:

“If modern gerontocracy functions through a new political environment, it
follows that a new range of solutions is required. Age limits for political office
are a must. Other fixes range from amplifying the political voice of younger
voters and disrupting the stranglehold of the old people’s lobby on our
politics to policies that facilitate intergenerational wealth transfer. The
schemes I offer seek to advance “intergenerational equity.” But unlike the
most vocal partisans of the cause, I don’t oppose the American entitlement
state for seniors. Such voices insist that an end or reduction of perquisites
like Social Security must occur in the name of fairness. The truth is the
opposite: only an expansion of our generosity, including the promise of long-
term care, can overcome the iron grip of old people on power.”

Please note that I post this not to defend any of the author’s particular proposals but only to provide access to reasoned argument on a topic frequently broached on this site. It does seem to me that he has identified and described well the major impasse to progress on the central issue of our common national finances.