Source: Census Bureau

This chart looks at the actual U.S. population by age group in 1960 and compares it to the population projected for 2060

Questions:

• How would you describe the shape of the two charts? 
• What are three insights you have about the U.S. population when analyzing these charts? 
• Based on the chart, who is expected to have a longer lifespan: men or women? 
• For H.S. students, you will be 55-60 years old in 2060. How do you think that society will have changed as a result of these demographical shifts?

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Like to analyze charts like this? Be sure to check out the NGPF Data Crunch for more examples of graphs and charts. 

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.