Summary
New numbers from the Census Bureau show the U.S. population is older than it’s ever been, with the nation’s median age over 38. William Brangham spoke with Philip Bump and Wendy Edelberg about how an older America could pose significant challenges for the economy, workforce and social programs in the years to come. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- Who are Philip Bump and Wendy Edelberg?
- What are the main reasons that the average age of Americans is increasing?
- Why is it principally white Americans that are getting older?
- How will Medicare be impacted by the aging American population?
- What impact might the aging population have on immigration reform?
Focus Questions
Author Phillip Bump suggests the idea of encouraging immigration so that immigrants may supplement and fill in gaps in the workforce. Do you agree that immigration reform is necessary to address the aging crisis? Why or why not? News analysis : Journalist William Brangham interviewed author Philip Bump and economist Wendy Edelberg. Who else would you have liked to have heard from regarding the aging population in the United States? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do: Learn about the exploitation of immigrant workers from the early to mid-1900s through an investigation of primary and secondary resources at Journalism in Action .STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (July 8, 2022)
This lesson was written by Fariya Farah, a senior at Amherst College and NewsHour Classroom’s intern, with editing by Luke Gerwe. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
