The coming generational tsunami

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Description:

The baby boom generation in the western world is retiring between now and 5 years. The lifestyle of the baby boomers (American's are spending more and more, while their household savings have plummeted to nil.

Their debt will have to be repaid by their children, who face a huge economic burden.

Enablers:

  • In 1950 there were 16.5 workers per social security beneficiary. That ratio fell to 3.4 by 2000. By the time the last baby boomers retire in 2030, there will only be 2 workers per benificiary.
  • The Us population of people older that 100 will rise from 60,000 to 600,000 by mid century
  • Demgraphics show that the US and the EU will become one big retirement community
  • Government spending and the deficit have risen to a record high

Inhibitors:

Paradigms:

  • Do we get earth from our parents of do we borrow it from our children?
  • People, profit, planet: economic development should be sustainable

Experts:

  • Kotlikoff and Burns: The coming generational storm (book)

Timing:

  • somewhere between now and 5 - 10 years this forces will become more visible and clear for everyone

Web Resources:

  • -