[deathclassic]

Exactly. And large scale pension systems and the financial vehicles are essentially the family unit scaled up to the size of a country. I do think there are advantages to doing it the social security way, as it puts less pressure on the individual to take care of their elderly parents. Many people aren't equipped with the time and know-how to run an assisted living facility in their living room, so specialized facilities for that purpose and social programs can help fill in the gaps.