On the other hand ... I can't count how many times I see or read of wealthy old people on the golf course - cruising around the world for the third and fourth time - spending their kids' inheritances in numerous ways. *They* certainly aren't helping their same-age cohorts.
Nor are many particularly helping their children and grandchildren. When Grandma's hanging out at the pool in FL six months a year, blowing it all on plastic surgery instead of helping raise her grandchildren, is it any surprise that *some* 30- and 40-somethings aren't terribly sympathetic?
Social responsibility slices both ways.
"I'm torn here. On one hand, yes, I feel sorry for the childless old people with no one to help them."
There's a simple answer, and it requires no government funding. Just look around you. Are there old people living nearby? Ask them if they need anything done in their homes. If so, do it for them. They're your neighbors.
As for the rich old people you're complaining about...they're not the ones being discussed, quite frankly. They can afford to have the bulb replaced in their ceiling light fixture. Your neighbor might be sitting in the dark.
We can say we're not responsible for these old people who aren't relatives, but I disagree. Maybe your neighbor is an old WWII vet who helped keep our nation safe and end the reign of Hitler. Maybe your old neighbor worked on the development of some antibiotic that saved your life.
In any case, we should be out there making sure that the old people around us are OK. It only takes a little time, and is more than worthwhile.
The grandfolks earned their way (many do not believe in credit cards) and the kids can earn their way--no matter what politics dictates (or steals) to/from each of us. I say good for granny and gramps if they are spending wildly. They are not responsible for their childrens' offspring.