Global Aging

Q: Social Security's future challenges are caused by the aging of our population. Do other countries have similar problems?

A: Yes. Most countries in Europe, as well as Japan, have more serious challenges than the U.S. Even some developing countries are starting to face up to the aging of their populations.

Q: What are these other countries doing to face their challenges?

A: Many of these countries have begun to prefund their social security plans. More than 20 countries, including Britain, Australia and Sweden, have established versions of personal accounts.

See also: "The Future of Social Security" (SSA Publication No. 05-10055)