Final answer:
The report from the Pew Research Foundation signifies a demographic shift towards an older population in the U.S., with a notable increase in life expectancy and aging baby boomers. The 'graying of America' impacts policy decisions and the dependency ratio, presenting challenges for the welfare and support systems due to an aging population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pew Research Foundation report highlights a significant demographic shift in the United States, as a larger portion of the population is now aging into the 85 years and older category. With advances in healthcare and improvements in living standards, the life expectancy in the U.S. has increased, leading to a higher percentage of deaths among those aged 85 and older. While the specific percentage from the Pew report is not included in the information provided, it is clear that the aging population has implications for public policy, particularly with respect to the dependency ratio which indicates a potential increase in burden on the working-age population.
This trend towards an aging population has been termed 'the graying of America,' and is driven by the number of baby boomers reaching older age and an overall decline in poverty rates among the elderly. However, challenges such as the 2008 recession have had an impact on the financial security of many Americans in retirement, affecting their quality of life and reliance on public support systems. In addition, differences in fertility rates and immigration are shaping the future demographic composition of the U.S. population.