How to Money · Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The declining birth rate in the U.S. has wide-ranging economic implications, similar to issues seen in Japan, according to Dr. Jean Twenge. Concerns include the sustainability of Social Security, the availability of elder care, and a potential strain on the economy due to a shrinking workforce.
“Absolutely. I'm glad you asked about that, because mean that that decline in the birth rate has just really wide ranging implications and I think we don't even realize all of them yet.”
“I mean, just to mention too, you know, you got to wonder if Social Security is going to be able to survive, there's not going to be as many younger workers because that's based on there being a certain number of younger workers to support the retired people.”
“Plus, I mean there's just issue around elder care. Are there going to be enough younger people to take care of older people, especially as lifespans continue to Lengthen, I.”