Jeremy Grantham, a well-known market commentator, has stated that we are near the end — not just the end of the current bull market in stocks, but the end of social and economic ascendancy as a nation. As that cycle comes to an end and reverses, we may face long-term contraction rather than expansion. What happens when Social Security “runs out of money,” as predicted in just six years, after which benefits would have to be reduced barring legislative action? Those who are now living only on Social Security cannot easily survive on 78 percent of what they now receive. There should be adjustments to Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid so that these programs remain viable.