United States Age Structure:

Question

This diagram depicts a population pyramid showing the age structure of the United States from 2016 to 2020. The age structure is broken down based on number of males and females, and the color-coded bars indicate the relative population size of each indicated generation: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z.

Use the passage to answer the question.

In 2-3 sentences, propose one social, historical, or economic factor that could explain why the Baby Boomer generation is so much larger than the Gen X, Gen Y, or Gen Z cohorts. Predict how Gen Y and Gen Z will affect the age structure and growth rate of the United States and will charge once Gen X reaches retirement age (65+).

Please answer correctly and in a relatively brief manner. Please write it to sound like a human.

Answer 1

One social factor that could explain why the Baby Boomer generation is larger than Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z is the post-World War II baby boom where there was a significant increase in birth rates. As Gen Y and Gen Z continue to grow older, they will eventually outnumber the Baby Boomer generation, leading to a shift in the age structure of the United States. Once Gen X reaches retirement age, there may be strains on social security and healthcare systems due to an aging population and a smaller working-age population.