As for retirement, most of us invest our own damn money and don't count on any kind of government hand out.
Governments spend money. They redistribute wealth to those who do not earn it. They NEVER produce wealth. A bigger government will only suck more of the real wealth out of our economy and concentrate it even more in to the hands of the mega-rich.
The only benefit anyone should ever expect from their government is the equal protection of Rights. Not "three hots and a cot" for life.
Tell that to artios!