The United States is getting grayer — but the changes are not uniform. And the variations across different geographies and demographic groups could have notable policy impacts in the coming years as the nation faces questions around program funding and cuts.
The U.S. Census reveals that since 2010, the percentage of Americans aged 65-or-older has climbed to nearly 1 in 6, spurred on by the fact that the first member of the massive Baby Boomer generation crossed over that venerable age marker in 2011.
The rise in “seniors” is noteworthy and it has come as the percentage of American youths, the population under the age of 18, has fallen. The country just finished observing Older Americans Month in May — but the statistical reality of the aging population is ever-present. CONTINUED
Dante Chinni, NBC News
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