Abstract:

The aging of the U.S. population combined with low rates of investment in education & new technology pose a threat to the ability of US industry to compete in world markets. While at present the "baby boom" generation provides a large pool of skilled labor & a source of cash flow for public & private benefit programs, in the near future, it will come to constitute a burden on business & social services. At the same time, the increase in poverty among children holds out the possibility of a growing number of young people unprepared for competition in the world economy. Businesses are urged to retain older workers & advocate for the needs of children.