The US model relies on perpetual growth, when in reality the problem is "do we have enough people to take care of the elderly". The issue is one of physical cap

The US model relies on perpetual growth, when in reality the problem is "do we have enough people to take care of the elderly". The issue is one of physical capital and human capital. The answer today is YES we have enough of both of those things to take care of our elderly, however we direct that human labor and capital towards things that produce more "value". There is very little value in taking care of old people. Unless the government mandates that some proportion of the economy is dedicated to taking care of the elderly and expecting nothing in return, we are forced to rely on ponzi schemes. And yes, this may be "socialism" but who cares? The government already owns all the land and all the dollars in circulation, they just lend them to you. The illusion of freedom is shattered for you by the word "socialism" but make no mistake this country is not some libertarian paradise.