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Growing Old in America: Expectations vs. Reality

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Getting old isn't nearly as bad as people think it will be. Nor is it quite as good. On aspects of everyday life ranging from mental acuity to physical dexterity to sexual activity to financial security, a new Pew Research Center Social & Demographic Trends survey among a nationally-representative sample of 2,969 adults finds a sizable gap between the expectations that young and middle-aged adults have about old age and the actual experiences reported by older adults themselves.

Most Middle-Aged Adults Are Rethinking Retirement Plans

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

In the midst of a recession that has taken a heavy toll on many nest eggs, just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they may delay their retirement -- and another 16% say they never expect to stop working.

Different Age Groups, Different Recessions

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Older adults are living through what for them has been a kinder, gentler recession -- relatively speaking. They are less likely than younger and middle-aged adults to say that in the past year they have cut back on spending; suffered losses in their retirement accounts; or experienced trouble paying for housing or medical care.

Luxury or Necessity? The Public Makes a U-Turn

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

From the kitchen to the laundry room to the home entertainment center, Americans are paring down the list of familiar household appliances they say they can't live without.

Smokers Can't Blow Off Stress

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

While many say they light up to relieve stress, half of all smokers say they "frequently" experience stress in their daily lives, compared with just 35% of those who once smoked and have now quit, and 31% of those who never smoked.

Before the Great Recession, a Phantom Recovery

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

The eight-year period from 1999 through 2007 is the longest in modern U.S. economic history in which inflation-adjusted median household income failed to surpass an earlier peak.

Testimony of Paul Taylor, Executive Vice President, Pew Research Center to the Senate Finance Committee

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Pew Research Center Executive Vice President Paul Taylor's full testimony to the Senate Finance Committee.

Public Has Split Verdict on Increased Level of Unmarried Motherhood

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

There is a stronger consensus in public opinion about the social cost of out-of-wedlock births than there is about the morality of these births.

Most Like It Hot

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

When it comes to places to live, Americans by about 2-1 say they prefer a hotter place to one with a colder climate. No surprise, then, that San Diego, Tampa and Orlando rank at the top of places to live for those who like it hot. But for hearty folks who like their weather on the chilly side, Denver, Seattle and Portland top the list of favorite places to call home, according to a recent survey by the Pew Social & Demographic Trends project.

Magnet or Sticky?

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

At first glance, magnet and sticky states may seem to be mirror opposites of each other, and it is true that most states score high on one scale and low on another. But it turns out that 10 states rank high on both scales, and another nine score low on both. Find out where your state lands in the typology below.