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

2016 - 2020

Female

Baby Boomer

Gen X

Gen Y

Gen Z

400 M

POPULATION PYRAMID: WORLD

200 M

OM

Male

400 м

200 M

80+ I

Age

75-79

70-74 1

60-641

65-69 T

45-49 T

40-44 T

35-39 T

25-29

55-59 T 50-54

15-19

20-24

10-14

30-34T

0-4 I

1600 M

5-9 1
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 change once Gen X reaches reurement age (65)

Answer 1

One social factor that could explain why the Baby Boomer generation is larger than the Gen X, Gen Y, or Gen Z cohorts is the post-World War II baby boom, where a significant increase in births occurred. As Gen Y and Gen Z continue to age and the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, there will be a shift in the age structure of the United States. This shift could potentially lead to a higher proportion of elderly individuals in the population, which may impact the growth rate and strain resources such as healthcare and social security.