Introduction to Sociology

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Studying Aging Populations

Figure 3. These population pyramids show how population distribution is gradually shifting in the United States, with a rising median age.

Since its creation in 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau has been tracking age in the population. Age is an important factor to analyze alongside other demographic figures, such as income and health.

Statisticians use data to calculate the median age of a population, that is, the number that marks the halfway point in a group’s age range. The median age in the United States has been continually rising. In 2016 the median age was 37.9. up from 35.3 in 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau 2017). That means that about half of the people in the United States are under 37.9 and half are over 37.9. This increased indicates the population as a whole is growing older.^[6]

Figure 4. These maps show that the median age is gradually rising.

A cohort is a group of people who share a statistical or demographic trait. People belonging to the same age cohort were born in the same time frame. Understanding a population’s age composition can point to certain social and cultural factors and help governments and societies plan for future social and economic challenges.

For instance, sociological studies on aging might help explain the difference between Native American age cohorts and the general population. While Native American societies have a strong tradition of revering their elders, they also have a lower life expectancy because of lack of access to healthcare and high levels of mercury in fish, which is a traditional part of their diet.

TRY IT

1. 
   What is the approximate median age of the United States?
   
   1. 
      Eighty-five
      
   2. 
      Eighteen
      
   3. 
      Thirty-seven
      
   4. 
      Sixty-five
      
      
      

Check your answers at the end of this document