“There is one undeniable demographic reality of our time.
We are all going to have to work longer and save more for our retirement.
Since the beginning of civilization, the care of the elderly has been the responsibility of younger generations. Before the last century, that responsibility was organized with families or tribes. But, beginning with Social Security, we nationalized that responsibility, at least, at the most basic level.
But as life expectancies have increased and birth rates have plummeted, the basic math of cross-generational support has broken down. In 1950, there were five workers to support each Social Security beneficiary.
Today there are slightly fewer than three. By 2030, there will be only two.” -Houston Chronicle