Keep in mind there was no social security in 1922. And life expectancy actually hasn't risen that much among the poorer classes, eg see http://www.ssa.gov/poli

Keep in mind there was no social security in 1922. And life expectancy actually hasn't risen that much among the poorer classes, eg see http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/workingpapers/wp108.html http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/workingpapers/wp108.html Money has lead to health and prosperity for more, but the poor remain in the lot of our ancestors.