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Comment by jay_kyburz | Hacker News Reader

I always thought that when our western governments talk about this problem, they are not concerned with the back breaking work that needs doing, but the amount of tax being paid by younger generations not enough to cover pensions and all the expensive medical conditions old people have.

I think its mostly a financial problem, not a physical labor problem.

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> I think its mostly a financial problem, not a physical labor problem.

what does this mean? i assume in your picture, the taxes (finance) are paying for the labor. if not, what is it that we’re struggling to finance?

Most people over the age of ~65 are given $967.50 a fortnight. (its means tested - but the family home is not counted). They spend that on whatever they like. I shudder to think how much goes into the pokies.

Old people like to visit the GP, like every week, to chat about the weather and that weird pimple that's been growing in weird places. That's also paid for by the government.

Here is a breakdown of where one Australians Tax Money goes. https://imgur.co/NmCZa5V

I'm of the opinion that the aged pension should be no different to unemployment benefits given we have free healthcare as well.

On readit, somebody posted a breakdown for UK taxes.

Welfare (23.8%)

Health (19.9%)

State Pensions (12.8%)

Education (12%)

National Debt Interest (6.1%)

Defence (5.3%)

Public Order and Safety (4.3%)

Transport (4.3%)

Business and Industry (2.9%)

Government Administration (2.1%)

Housing and Utilities, like street lighting (1.6%)

Culture, like sports, libraries, museums (1.6%)

Environment (1.6%)

Overseas Aid (1.2%)

UK Contribution to the EU Budget (0.7%)

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