Some economists say that Bob Dole's economic plan can increase the rate of economic expansion by 50 percent.

America's senior citizens -- and those about to be -- would benefit from tax cuts that spur economic growth, analysts say. Economic growth -- and plenty of it -- will be necessary to meet the commitments to those already retired and the millions who will reach retirement age in the coming century.

Only one provision in the Dole plan is aimed directly at seniors -- repealing the 1993 Clinton tax increase on Social Security benefits. That alone would reduce seniors' tax bill by $27 billion over a six-year period.

However, the broader provisions of the Dole plan would have an even greater impact.

• Balancing the budget by 2002 would lower inflation and interest rates, increasing the value of stocks and investments held by individuals and their pension plans.

• Reducing capital gains taxes would increase the value of seniors' investment portfolios and allow them greater freedom to move from less profitable investments to more productive assets.

• Expanding Individual Retirement Accounts would benefit those looking ahead to retirement, perhaps relieving future pressure on the Social Security system.

Experts say a stable economic system, low inflation, jobs for the labor force and increases in productivity would lead to a higher standard of living.

Source: Gordon S. Jones (Seniors Coalition), "The Growing Number of Seniors Need Economic Growth," Washington Times, August 22, 1996.