Not exactly. More like: Number_of_retirees * averagr retirement_payment = number_of _people * average_retirement insurance_payments You can also prop up the r

Not exactly. More like: Number_of_retirees * averagr retirement_payment = number_of _people * average_retirement insurance_payments You can also prop up the right side with tax money from other sources. I'm not saying it's perfect or even that it works well. But there is nothing inherent in it that requires a growing economy.