A house on the Florida coast. An assisted living program. A lively retirement community. Medicare. Our modern concept of old age—and even the idea of old age as a distinct stage of life—are products of our recent past. Where once Americans had little choice but to work until death, in the years after World War II government subsidies and employer pensions allowed people to retire en masse. But the enormous strides made in the 20th century are under siege today as we face critical issues like the uncertain future of social security, a caregiving crisis, and an aging and increasingly diverse society.

Today’s guest is James Chappel, author of “Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age.” He sharesthe surprising history of old age in modern America, showing how we created unprecedented security for some and painful uncertainty for others. From social security and 401(k)s to fitness programs and even The Golden Girls, Chappel explores the rise and fall of a shared ideal of old age, showing how it has been shaped by politicians’ choices, activists’ demands, medical advancements, and popular culture.

A house on the Florida coast. An assisted living program. A lively retirement community. Medicare. Our modern concept of old age—and even the idea of old age as a distinct stage of life—are products of our recent past. Where once Americans had little choice but to work until death, in the years after World War II government subsidies and employer pensions allowed people to retire en masse. But the enormous strides made in the 20th century are under siege today as we face critical issues like the uncertain future of social security, a caregiving crisis, and an aging and increasingly diverse society.
Today’s guest is James Chappel, author of “Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age.” He shares the surprising history of old age in modern America, showing how we created unprecedented security for some and painful uncertainty for others. From social security and 401(k)s to fitness programs and even The Golden Girls, Chappel explores the rise and fall of a shared ideal of old age, showing how it has been shaped by politicians’ choices, activists’ demands, medical advancements, and popular culture.

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

A show about American history, world history, World Wars 1 & 2, the Civil War, and much more.

History Unplugged Podcast

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

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