DP5777 Postponing Retirement: the Political Push of Aging

Author(s): Vincenzo Galasso

Publication Date: August 2006

Keyword(s): political equilibria , aging , postponing retirement

JEL(s): D72 , H5 , H53

Programme Areas: Public Policy

Link to this Page: www.cepr.org/pubs/dps/DP5777.asp.asp

Conventional economic wisdom suggests because of the aging process, social security systems will have to be retrenched. In particular, retirement age will have to be largely increased. Yet, is this policy measure feasible in OECD countries? Since the answer belongs mainly to the realm of politics, I evaluate the political feasibility of postponing retirement under aging in France, Italy, the UK, and the US. Simulations for the year 2050 steady state demographic, economic and political scenario suggest that retirement age will be postponed in all countries, while the social security contribution rate will rise in all countries, but Italy. The political support for increasing the retirement age stems mainly from the negative income effect induced by aging, which reduces the profitability of the existing social security system, and thus the individuals net social security wealth.