Age and Class in America
Age and Class in America As an economist, I define class in economic terms. In the past, income and income inequality were usually the main determinants. Now it is a combination of income and wealth (actual and potential) as more Americans grow old and retire. There are four classes in America: 1) seniors over 65 with assets (wealth) and their inheriting children or relatives. Demographically, the fastest growing class.The number of seniors is expected to double over the next 35 years while the number of all Americans is expected to decre Total U.S. household net worth reached a record $166.7 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts of the United States . This reflects the total value of all assets (like real estate, equities, and bank deposits) minus all liabilities (like mortgages ...