Aging in Missouri 2025.

Abstract

In 1950, the US population stood at 152 million and was considered relatively "young" due to historically higher fertility rates, declining infant and childhood mortality, and a greater influx of young immigrant workers.1 Between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boom era saw an accelerated number of births, further shaping the country's demographics. However, in the decades that followed, birth rates declined while advances in healthcare led to improved survival rates and reduced mortality at older ages.2 This demographic shift has contributed to a significant aging of the population.