Editorial January 27, 1973 Issue

To Add Vitality to Longevity

Naomi Price

Early in this century Mary Baker Eddy commented, "The census since 1875 (the date of the first publication of my work, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures') shows that longevity has increased."^{Mis., p. 29;} A recent report on public health issued in Great Britain proves that the expectancy of life for men and women has continued to increase during the past twenty–five years.^{See The Times (London), October 19, 1972;}

Is this a good thing?

Obviously the lot of many older citizens is by no means prosperous and happy. And some people wonder if it is a situation that society as a whole can handle since, as they continue to read the report, they notice that the recently released figures hint that longevity has contributed to an increase of 15 percent in the retirement age group. They recognize the question must arise: Can a nation's economy support so many of its members who are no longer productive? If the trend continues, will the burden of providing for the elderly eventually become heavier than it can bear?

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