[Sooth2222]

"SS depends on an ever expanding group of new members to pay out to the old members. Problem is demographically there is not an ever expanding base comming down the age line. Add in 25% teenage unemployment amoung the reduced population base, and you have a “collapsed” pyramid scheme."

Problem is we'll have 1/3 of the population expecting $20,000 in annual social security benefit checks supported by the other 2/3 where the median annual earned income is $44,410. (Then there is all that other gov't spending like defense and the interest on the mountains of debt that Zero has accumulated on his spending binge.) It is basic arithmetic. This is not possible. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

[swamprebel]

The population graphic demonstrates with clarity how the below 40 population growth is basically a straight plunge down, NOT an expanding pyramid base. Thanks for the visual.

[esarlls3]

Here is an interesting animated graph of population change 1950-2050 from http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2009/08/us-population-distribution-by-age-1950.html. Note this page is slow to load.

Based on this, in 1950 there were about 7 workers per retiree. To keep this ratio, you would need a retirement age of 70 by 1990 and 75 by 2030. Holding the age at 75 after 2030 results in a temporary ratio drop to about 6 during baby boom retirement and would recover after that bubble passes. This seems reasonable.

The other part of the equation is payments. Payments should be distributed among retirees based on contributions. But total payments each year should be based on the fund balance and fund income to manage the fund over time.

Changes to provide a better return on the fund balance could allow increased payments.

[Graewoulf]

There is so much to see on your excellent graphic!

One thing that jumps out at me is how constant the population growth has been over the last 45 years.

If the illegal aliens, ( 25 M +/- ), could be removed, your graphic would show a decline in population growth.