On American Aging
How Aging Effects Americans
Graying of America
The term "Graying of America" refers to the fact that the median age is getting older. After World War 2, America hit a period called the baby boomers because a lot of children were born. Now we have to find a way to make medical and retirement work since there are more people in the retirement age.
Dependency Ratio
The term "dependency ratio" is a measure showing the number of dependents (aged 0-14 and over the age of 65) to the total population (aged 15-64). This term can also be referred to as the "total dependency ratio". The graying of America relates to the dependency ratio because it shows how many people are working. We need to find a way to support the elderly.
Medicare and Medicaid Differences
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65 or older or have a severe disability, no matter your income. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a very low income.
Baby Boomers
The baby boom generation is considered to be so important in the US because they made up 40 percent of the nation's population. There were 76.4 million baby boomers in the US. It didn't die off until 1964. Because the baby boomers are getting older and have much more health car problems there is more of a demand for health care workers. They contribute to about 77% of the wealth in the US.
Social Power Within the Elderly
The elderly have the most social power in politics and voting. Since the elderly make up a good portion of the population, they have the most social power when it comes to voting. Elderly people make up the majority of political offices.