Problem is, at least here in the U.S., the longevity and actuarial charts no longer mesh. The actuarials were, when pensions were originally calculated, based on a lngevity expectation of around 20 years or less. Hence the arbitrary retirement age of 62 (here). Back in the day that person would have expected to live to be about 75 or, if a woman, maybe 78. Today, the longevity charts indicate a rise to at least 80 if not more. Hence the real pinch on almost all pensions, private or or our Social Security run by the government.
A raise in the qualification age by one year would do wonders at stabilizing the Social Security fund, which, at its current rate is due to expire in 2043. As to jnop's observation, ever expanding business and wealth creation is supposed to take care of the conundrum he expresses. Unfortunately, the near world-wide recession has stymied that aspect... hence what we observe happening in Greece could soon inflict other parts of the world.
In my own opinion, the real problem lies in the populace (generally) relying on someone else, usually government, to provide for them rather than shouldering that burden themselves...