This study examined the perceptions of older Americans on the financial aspects of retirement and on policy matters which directly bear on their income maintenance positions. A descriptive survey was made of older persons participating in senior citizen multipurpose centers and clubs. The findings showed that 57% of the respondents perceived their finances (savings and income) to be inadequate. Nonmarried, females, blacks, persons renting or buying homes, those with low incomes, those living alone, and those with little education had most inadequate incomes. Individuals tended to see their present financial condition as poorer than it was before retirement, and the future as even more threatening. Most respondents (80%) viewed the retiree as responsible for contributing to his own retirement income. Social security and private pensions were the preferred sources of income. Yet when these sources proved inadequate, the government was the agency seen as most responsible for providing income for older people. Adult children were not viewed as a proper source of income by the majority of respondents, even for indigent older persons. Suggestions for improving conditions for retirees centered around raising their income. Policy implications included increased social security benefits and its redistributive effects, and information dissemination. (Author/NL)