First published in 1998. This volume (the second of a twin set grouping articles based on papers presented at seminars in Sigtuna, Sweden, during 1994 – 1996) deals with the largest spending programs of the welfare state – old age pensions and medical care, and their place within debates about the desirability and affordability of modern social programs.

The volume is divided into four parts. The first part deals with general welfare state issues, cross-cutting themes and characterizations of whole systems within such diverse disciplines as social law, sociology and economics. Part two deals with old age pension reform. The countries discussed have widely different geographical, cultural and historical backgrounds. Part three takes up a number of interesting topics under the heading of health care reform. Part four deals with a substantial issue located and the juncture of aging, affordability, pensions and especially health care: increased longevity (and population aging) and the associated disability and frailty. What effect will these have on the future of modern welfare states?