Elderly Americans (PDF: 832KB)
The United States is in the midst of a profound demographic change: the rapid aging of its population. The 2000 Census counted nearly 35 million people in the United States 65 years of age or older, about one of every eight Americans. By 2030, demographers estimate that one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, which is nearly four times the proportion of elderly 100 years earlier, in 1930. The effects of this older age profile will reverberate throughout the American economy and society in the next 50 years. Preparing for these changes involves more than the study of demographic trends; it also requires an understanding of the growing diversity within the older population. (December 2001)
World Population Futures (PDF: 338KB)
This Population Bulletin explains projection methodology and discusses various approaches for expressing uncertainty. The report concludes with a discussion of what global population projections imply about the kind of world our descendents will inhabit. (September 2001)
First Glimpses From the 2000 U.S. Census
The latest census was full of surprises: The census counted nearly 7 million more people than the U.S. Census Bureau had estimated, and it still may have missed as many as 3 million. And for those minding the budget: The 2000 Census cost less than anticipated. This Population Bulletin looks at some of the major findings of the 2000 Census as of April 2001, and considers the importance of these trends not only to demographers, journalists, business people, and politicians, but to all Americans. (June 2001)
New Population Policies: Advancing Women's Health and Rights
This Population Bulletin reviews the evolution of national population policies, particularly following the historic 1994 Cairo conference. It describes the new focus on improving reproductive health and women's rights and how governments have tried to incorporate this new approach in their policies and programs. The Bulletin also looks at possible new directions for population policies. (March 2001)