As demonstrations against the unequal distribution of wealth in the United States ratchet up, research provides a statistical look at that distribution: The number of people living in poverty has increased, are becoming more Latino, elderly and working-class.

One of the mixed blessings of our modern society is an ever-increasing life expectancy. For those of us with the advantages of good health and adequate income, those extra years are a gift. But for those who face a long period of disability and poverty, old age can be more daunting than rewarding, not only for the elderly but for their families as well.