that the U.S. was not particularly savvy in regard to the world economy. To form successful relations with other countries, like Japan, Kreps believed that the U.S. needed to appreciate the other countries for what they were and to stop trying to force free trade on places that have different kinds of governments. Policy Kreps wrote a report in 1976 called "Social Security in the Coming Decade: Questions for a Mature System". The report examined Social Security as a whole and its feasibility. The report began with a quote that Kreps herself agreed with in regard to Social Security policies: "There is really no way to support retired Americans comfortably and affordably." The conclusion of the report found that increased interest in where Social Security is going by the general public is what will keep retirement benefits alive. The people must stay invested in knowing where funding for Social Security is coming from and staying vigilant of the amount of new people reaching retirement eligibility each year to ensure a working system. During her time as Secretary of Commerce, Kreps brought proposal to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare which stated that the age for Social Security eligibility must be raised gradually otherwise the benefits will deplete at too quick of a rate. This was immediately followed by a lot of opposition because Americans did not want to have work any longer than they believe was required of them. Her reasoning came from the fact that from her calculations the only way to keep Social Security funds at an adequate level, her solution needed to be implemented over a set course of years. Though her vision came a little bit early, eventually the government did exactly what Kreps suggested in order to save the sanctity of Social Security. Cultural depiction Kreps is played by Becky Ann Baker in the 2020 Amazon Studios streaming series Hunters. See also List of female United States Cabinet members References External links Oral History Interview with Juanita Kreps at Oral Histories of the American South 1921 births 2010 deaths 20th-century American businesspeople 20th-century American businesswomen 20th-century American economists 20th-century American educators 20th-century American women educators American women economists Berea College alumni Carter administration cabinet members Deaths from Alzheimer's disease Duke University alumni Duke University faculty Economists from Kentucky Kentucky businesswomen Kentucky women in politics Neurological disease deaths in North Carolina People from Lynch, Kentucky