Number of 100-year-olds is booming in US

← Back to list

4/30/2011

America's population of centenarians - already the largest in the world - has roughly doubled in the past 20 years to around 72,000 and is projected to at least double again by 2020, perhaps even increase seven-fold, according to the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau estimates there were 71,991 centenarians as of Dec. 1, up from 37,306 two decades earlier. While predicting longevity and population growth is difficult, the census' low-end estimate for 2050 is 265,000 centenarians; its highest projection puts the number at 4.2 million. 

     
The Pew Center on the States released new research that says “The gap between the promises states have made for public employees’ retirement benefits and the money they have set aside grew to at least $1.26 trillion in fiscal year 2009, resulting in a 26 percent increase in one year.” Pension payments and retiree health care made up most of the shortfall. Old and sick people who hoped that they would have access to funds to support themselves are in many cases out of luck.       
           
WASHINGTON — Home prices are falling in most major U.S. cities, and at least 10 major markets are at their lowest point since the housing bubble burst. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city index showed home prices declined in 19 metro areas from January to February and 11 markets experienced faster price declines compared with the previous month. The index, which was released Tuesday, fell for the seventh straight month.
        
Amazon all but told South Carolina goodbye Wednesday after the online retailer lost a legislative showdown on a sales tax collection exemption it wants to open a distribution center that would bring 1,249 jobs to the Midlands. Company officials immediately halted plans to equip and staff the one million-square-foot building under construction at I-77 and 12th Street near Cayce. “As a result of today’s unfortunate House vote, we’ve canceled $52 million in procurement contracts and removed all South Carolina fulfillment center job postings from our (Web) site,” said Paul Misener, Amazon vice president for global public policy. The decision came shortly after state representatives rejected the tax break 71-47.

 

More Good Stuff:

 

 

  
Click play button to listen to our most recent show.


 

Download an Mp3 version of the show to your iPhone or other Mp3 player! Click here: