Give me a break! You're trying to paint a scenario that never existed. These old farts weren't driven by sacrifice and the noble cause of "nation building". They were simply earning a living just like everyone else.
While they were contributing, they were paid. While they were being paid, they should have saved for old age. If they didn't, it's their own fault.
I started my website during the "pioneering days" of the internet and while on line political forums were in their infancy. I worked very hard to make my site a success often putting in 20 hour days in order to lay the foundations of what is now a thriving on-line community of political commentators. Does that entitle me to $300 per year for doing absolutely nothing from now onwards?? If it does, please pass the hat around on my behalf. I'll PM you my account number so you can deposit the cash.