Almost daily, news stories appear regarding the U.S. Social Security crisis and an aging population.  When is Social Security going to run out of money?  How will we fund benefits for baby boomers?  Will older workers continue to work beyond “typical” retirement?

Apparently we’re not alone in dealing with these issues.  According to a BBC news article, France has similar challenges.  Its population is aging and the government is responding with a number of measures to address it including:  threatening to penalize companies who don’t increase the number of their employees who are 55-64 years old and requiring that employees work 41 (not 40) years to qualify for a full state pension.  France has a very high life expectancy, but few older workers.  Only 38.3% of French 55-64 year olds work, compared with 70% in Sweden, 57% in the UK, and 52% in Germany.   Changes in pension benefits are not popular with workers.  Talk of strikes is already taking place.