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What immigration means for economies as populations get older

Around the world, populations are getting older. Immigration plays a role in sustaining workforces, according to new analysis.
"Over the next several decades, businesses and industries that cater to old populations — they're become a much bigger part of the economy," explained Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell.
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Though the country is aging, there are fewer older Americans in the workforce

Oct 10, 2023
So-called “prime age” workers, those 25 to 54, are working jobs at a higher rate than before the pandemic. But the picture gets more complex for older workers.
As the pandemic recedes, older Americans have been rejoining the workforce at lower rates than other age groups.
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How “age tech” is creating opportunities for older adults

Growing numbers of entrepreneurs and their financial backers are starting to see aging as an opportunity for innovation and profit.
An aging population, especially in Asia, is getting investors excited, says senior economics contributor Chris Farrell. Above, an older man uses his phone in Beijing.
Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

What keeps economists up at night?

Aug 23, 2023
We asked some professors to riff on the theme of the Fed's annual Jackson Hole retreat: “Structural Shifts in the Global Economy.”
"I think the regular 8-to-5 schedules we used to have are really super hard for families," says Ayse Imrohoroglu of the University of Southern California.
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By 2050, demographic shifts could mean a very different global economy

Aug 10, 2023
Today, nearly a third of Japan's population is over the age of 65. Compared to how much wealthy nations' populations will age in the coming decades though, Japan "is only the tip of the iceberg" says New York Times journalist Lauren Leatherby.
Wealthy economies like those in Europe and East Asia are going to be facing a much smaller working-age population within the next few decades.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

As health care moves into the home, do we have enough workers?

Aug 7, 2023
A quarter of referred patients were turned away from home health care providers because of staff shortages, an industry report says.
The COVID-19 pandemic "accelerated an awareness of the capabilities of care at home,” said Bill Dombi of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

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Why this proud “boomer” started a home-sharing website

May 17, 2023
Jayne Ehrlich wants to make it easier for boomers to live "alone together.”
Around 10% of Americans over 50 live alone without significant others or children to care for them, according to the AARP.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Why “aging in place” is a growth industry

Apr 10, 2023
As members of the baby boom generation approach or reach their elderly years, more homes will need to be modified to accommodate them.
By 2030, every baby boomer will be at least 65 years old. That's likely to drive demand for certified aging in place specialists and products to support seniors' needs.
Damien Meyer/AFP via Getty Images