Did the over-45s ruin life for the rest of us?

[goldenticket]

Interesting article - it's certainly been my and DH's experience in the workplace (withdrawal of perks, pensions, travel arrangements etc etc). Wondered what anyone else thought?

"What problem, supporting the aging population ? I'm sorry but I do not see that as a problem that needs fixing"

The pension system got to be "fixed" somehow as to do nothing will result in a bill that will cripple this country.

Now you may think that it should be "fixed" in a way that favours the next generation and others that it should be "fixed" in a way that continues to offer the pensions people have expected.

But what is constant and obvious (and has been so since at least 1970 if not 1960) is that something has to be done, the system can't just carry on.

"Why should my children pay for them for the rest of their lives and have a lower standard of living."

Well the other aspect of a lower birth rate and an aging population is that they can wield enormous political power.

So regardless of the ethics an enormous army of older voters could put people into power who will make us and our children have a lower standard of living so as to pay for pensions.

It strikes me that an awful lot of the younger generation are just opting out altogether, rightly or wrong you cannot force people to work and when the dole and part time work + tax credits is more attractive with a spot of cash in hand work on the side then the boomers will be left to stew in their own juices.

But as BadgersPaw says, that potentially significant block of grey voters could turn around and demand that young healthy wasters be booted off benefits and the money saved go to pay the pensions of those who've Worked Hard And Saved All Their Lives (copyright: my gran).

Given that many of the "younger generation" also don't seem that bothered about voting, the powers that be might be quite up for it.

I agree it's a worry.
But I do think there will come a point where enough is enough and the tide will turn, mainly when these 50+ need health care, then the youngsters can turn around and say yes I'll wipe your arse but it'll cost you the amount of money I need to buy your house and save for a pension like the one you enjoyed.