Final answer:
The fastest-growing age group in the United States is composed of individuals aged 65 years and older, with the segment aged 85 and older growing the most. The Baby Boomer generation is driving this increase, highlighting an aging population that will require more medical care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nationwide Fastest Growing Age Group
According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the fastest-growing age group in the nation is the segment of the population aged 65 years and older, particularly those aged 85 years and older. The demographic shift can largely be attributed to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. As of 2013, 20% of the U.S. population was over 60 years old, a significant indicator that the proportion of seniors in the population has been on the rise. This trend shadows the fact that with advancements in healthcare and living standards, people are living longer, thereby increasing the life expectancy across the country.
The Baby Boomers, who were born post World War II between 1946 and 1964, are the cohort primarily driving this dramatic increase in the senior population. Insights from population pyramids reveal that the largest group in the year 2000 comprised of people aged thirty-five to fifty-five, and by 2010, this group shifted to aged forty-five to sixty-five. This trend suggests that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be at least 65 years old, representing the largest group of elderly people.
The growth of the senior population has profound implications for various aspects of society, including the need for increased medical care as indicated by the Census Bureau's report showing that a significant percentage of the population is reaching an age where medical needs are typically heightened.