All developed countries have an array of programs, involving government funding, that are designed to provide care and support for the elderly, such as social security, health care, and long term care. Some countries’ programs are more extensive than others. Often the full range of required services is not provided by government programs but individuals and their families are expected to provide some of the care and support. Occasionally the level of care and support provided is income-tested or means-tested. Is there a way in which the complete array of programs in each country can be compared and assessed with respect to sustainability and the results communicated easily and effectively?

This paper will present a visual display conveying a large amount of information that will enable the sustainability of the array of support and care programs in a number of developed countries to be understood quickly. Although the visual display itself could be quickly understood, there is a significant amount of work required in order to be able to catalogue the relevant programs for the countries, and then to prepare an assessment of sustainability. Depending on the methodology eventually decided upon, and the availability of the necessary data, it may not be possible to assess the programs of every developed country; however, at least 6 countries’ programs, including Canada, England and the United States, will be assessed and mapped. Such a mapping and assessment should be of interest to many of the attendees at the 2014 Congress.

I have not yet determined how best to measure and represent sustainability. Some items to consider include: current cost, projected cost increases, demographic changes (that affect number of recipients, number of taxpayers, type of care), impact on other government expenditures, culture (e.g., Swedes seem prepared to bear heavier tax burdens than do Americans).