Pensions versus self-funded retirement
In the 1980s, 70% of retirees had a pension. Today it is less than 20%. In the '70s, Congress created IRA and 401(k) accounts to encourage self funded retirement savings.
Health: Why we no longer see kids in arm and ankle casts?
In the 1960s and '70s, it was common to see kids healing with a broken arm or ankle. But this is not common today.
Demographics, GenZ: Someone gets it! Generation labels are arbitrary and stupid
Someone of notoriety points out that generation labels are arbitrary, pointless and useless.
Media: Travel writing has become self-centered narcissism, say experts
Travel writing has devolved into self-centered narcissism, where stories are about the writer, and not the destination.
Average number of vehicles per household 1970 vs 2025
We went from 1.16 vehicles per household in 1970 to 1.88 in 2025. The % with 1 vehicle went down, and the % with 2 or more went up.
Families with Children Under 18
In spite of a 40% larger population today, the number of families with children is back to early 1990 levels.
Per capita food spending in the U.S.
Americans spend more money going out to eat and having food delivered to their homes.
Economy: Average home size by age
Surprisingly, most people age 65+ are already living in smaller homes.
Business
Demographics
Doomerism
Economy
Education
Emerging Technology
Energy
Gen Z/Generational issues
Geopolitics
The “Boomers” versus “Gen Z” today: the 60s/70s vs today
Many media and social media pundits think the "baby boom" past was idyllic. Here's a reality-based comparison of then versus today.
Demographics: Due to enrollment decline, 2 Oregon universities may merge
Continuing impacts of the fertility rate collapse that has been underway for more than 200 years.