The Well-Being of Young Adults in the "Next America"

Demographic change is a drama in slow motion, and the America of the early 21st century is undergoing two such dramas at the same time. Our population is en route to becoming majority non-White at the same time a record share of us are going gray. Either of these trends would be the dominant demographic story of this era. The fact that they are occurring simultaneously has created significant generation gaps. The paradox of these sorts of dramas is that even though they are happening all over, they can sometimes be hard to see. As Millennials assert themselves in the economy and the electorate, let's hope they press their elected leaders on these issues. And as Boomers cross over into their golden years, let's hope they do their share as well. If we want the American experiment to thrive at a time of sweeping demographic change, we must all rediscover our roots as a nation of planters