In a White House speech directed at seniors, President Obama re-assured them that Social Security and Medicare were not in crisis, contrary to the message signaled by Republicans.

“Now, we’re often told that Medicare and Social Security are in crisis,” said Obama pointing out that it was used as an “excuse” by Republicans to cut spending. “But here’s the truth. Medicare and Social Security are not in crisis, nor have they kept us from cutting our deficits by two-thirds since I took office.”

Obama admitted, however, that the programs faced “challenges” but blamed it on the “baby boomer” demographics, not government spending.

“When we won World War II, everyone came home and had babies,” he said. “I mean, not literally, everyone, but a lot of people had babies.”

Obama pointed out that more than 250,000 Americans are turning 65 every month.

“They’re living longer and they’re living healthier,” he said without proposing any change in the retirement age.