Individuals aged 65 years and older currently make up a larger share of the population than ever before, and this group is predicted to continue growing both in absolute terms and relative to the rest of the population. This chapter begins by introducing the facts, figures, and forecasts...

The fundamentalist moment -- Coffins and cradles -- America's vanishing labor supply -- The new human environment -- People power -- Fading nations -- The cost of children -- The cost of aging -- The slowing pace of progress -- Home economics -- Freedom and fertility -- Work and families