Population ageing makes it harder for governments to finance programmes like public pensions and long-term care. But policy responses, such as tightening programme eligibility and benefit levels or raising taxes on current workers, often prove unpopular. This column presents findings from the latest wave of the OECD’s Risks that Matter survey, which takes stock of risk perceptions and preferences for social protection in 27 OECD countries. While public appetite for greater taxes and contributions appears to be worsening, promoting inclusive labour force participation and improving efficiencies in social programme delivery show considerable public support and, importantly, are also feasible in practice.