The Most Age-Diverse Society in Our Country's History

Authors

• Cal J. Halvorsen, Washington University in St. Louis
• Logan Fox, Washington University in St. Louis
• Tim B. Zielonko, Washington University in St. Louis

ORCID

Halvorsen, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9184-633X

Language

English (en)

Publication Date

7-2026

Summary

The public narrative is that the United States population is getting older. This is, indeed, true. We have more people over age 50 than we have ever had in our country—both in total numbers and in the share of the population. The numbers of older people will continue to grow, all the way up until the projections stop at the year 2100. Many have asked, “What will we do with all of these older people?”

Document Type

Brief

Comments

Data at a Glance - July 2026

Recommended Citation

Halvorsen, C., Fox, L., & Zielonko, T. (2026, July). The most age-diverse society in our country's history. Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at Washington University in St. Louis. https://doi.org/10.7936/5239-2q87