The Sociology of Aging

This paper discusses how an aging America creates economic, labor market, health and demographic trends that have serious long-term implications.

2,083 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the steady aging of the American population (certainly among the native-born) and looks at what this means for the social and economic future of the United States. In particular, the paper looks at the various economic, labor market, health and demographic trends gripping America and at how they are all coming together at a significant point in U.S. history. More than that, the paper argues that the United States faces possible economic contraction, run-away social costs, social fragmentation, and a general decline in vigor and/or productivity unless it finds a way to implement policy changes that will nudge the nation towards a brighter future.

Outline:
Abstract
References

From the Paper:

"Other economic trends can be easily associated with an aging population. For one thing, it is axiomatic that older investors tend to be much more interested in investments that offer long-term security and reliable returns. Conversely, younger investors who have many more years in the workforce ahead of them - and who have the time necessary to "rebound" from a bad investment - may be more willing to put their money into high-risk, high-reward ventures. Suffice it to say, part of the vitality of the American economy resides in the willingness of people to "take a chance" and finance a fledgling company that has an uncertain future. As the population grows older, however, the interest in participating in venture capitalism and/or engaging in entrepreneurial activities diminishes in relative terms; as a result, a major component of America's economic success is greatly constrained."

Sample of Sources Used:

Freeland, M.S. (1983). National health expenditure growth in the 1980s: An aging population, new technologies, and increasing competition. Health Care Financing Review, 4(3): 1-58.
Gamble, Clarence J. (1947). The college birthrate. Journal of Heredity, 38, 355-362.
Mfuni, Tanangachi. (2006, July 13). U.S. needs immigrants. New York Amsterdam News, 97(29): 1-26.
Porter, Eduardo. (2004, August 29). Coming soon: the vanishing work force. New York Times, 153(52956): 1-4.
Schneider, Edward L. (1999, February 5). Aging in the third millennium. Science, 283(5403): 796-797.