WASHINGTON (TND) — The United States undergoes demographic shifts from time to time, including its average age. The average age of the U.S. population is now over 38 years old, marking the oldest it has ever been. According to the Census Bureau, Americans aged 65 and older are projected to make up more than 20% of the population by 2030, an increase from 17% in 2022. By 2050, this age group is expected to constitute 23% of the population.

Several factors contribute to this aging demographic. The Population Reference Bureau identifies the large Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, as a primary driver of the current growth in the senior population. Additionally, longer life expectancy and a decrease in birth rates are significant factors.

The decline in birth rates is a notable aspect of this demographic shift. Last year, U.S. births fell to their lowest level in more than 40 years. Preliminary data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics reports 3.59 million births in the past year, a 2% drop from 2022. This is the lowest level since 1979 when nearly 3.4 million babies were born in the U.S.

Research from the University of North Carolina suggests several reasons for the declining birth rates. One major factor is a decrease in unintended births. Economic conditions also play a role; the birth rate declined significantly during the Great Recession in 2008, which is a typical response to economic downturns.

Additionally, there was a brief increase in births during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 30,000 more births than predicted based on pre-pandemic trends. However, this baby boom was short-lived, and by 2022, birth rates had fallen below 2019 levels.

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