Abstract:

Disability, dependency, & disability relief are explored as global problems. The trend toward disability in industrial countries is presented as stemming from a direct relationship between incidence of disability & population aging. Statistical data show that older adults' dependency needs carry huge economic & human resource costs, which industrialized nations have met through the employment of documented & undocumented immigrants & refugees, primarily women, from developing countries (DCs). Data also reveal rapid & widespread aging of DCs' populations, thereby creating conflict over who will care for whom. Means through which DCs can avoid problems of dependency-eg, restriction of mandatory retirement, provision of vocational training, & allocation of resources to research, training, & service development-are summarized.