Using Aging Population Projections
Big business giants like Nike, Apple, Microsoft, Blue Shield, Safeco, and the United States Government all use aging population projections. Accurately predicting these aging population projections can make the difference between a company becoming very successful or not existing at all.
U.S. Census Bureau
The history of the first census taken in the United States probably began in the early 1600s in Virginia when people were counted in all the British colonies that later became the United States. The first official census was taken in 1790 of the entire nation and was conducted by the then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Aging population projections were very important to a new country that needed a strong military to protect itself.
In 1810 the U.S. Census was expanded to include information on manufacturing output and its quantity and value; very similar to today's Gross National Product or "GNP". In 1810 questions about fisheries were added, and 1850 produced the first questions about taxation, religion, and crime.
The 1880 census was so complex that it took a full ten years to publish the results. Understanding that waiting ten years for a result was too long, the first use of a tabulating machine occurred in the very next census in 1890. These were punch card machines that were very similar to today's punch card machines.
The general opinion of this bureau is that the population of the United States is expanding by leaps and bounds and it is living to an older age. In fact, by 2020 the domestic population will have increased by 20%. The fastest growing part of this population is made up by people over the age of 65, and their percentage as part of the population will have grown to over 55%.
The Census Bureau has played a leading role in the use of technology in fulfilling its role as "America's Fact Finder." Congress recognized the value of having aging population projections, and this institution became permanent as a result of an act of Congress in 1902.
Today's Census
In addition to taking a census of the population every ten years in order to create aging population projection figures, the bureau also releases figures on state and local governments every five years. Every year more than 100 surveys are taken with all the information available to the general public to use as they please. Businesses attempt to use these aging population projection figures to develop marketing plans and plan for the future.
