The Ratio of Elderly to Younger People Is Rapidly Increasing

As the baby boomers age, the nation’s demographic makeup will change greatly. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the population of those who are 20 to 64 years of age is projected to grow by 11 percent, whereas the population of those who are 65 or older will grow by 50 percent. This shifting ratio means that fewer and fewer people are supporting an ever-growing population of the elderly.

U.S. Population Age 65 or Older as a Percentage of the Population Ages 20–64

Source: Congressional Budget Office, Long-Term Budget Outlook, December 2007.