Part 3/11:
In parallel, humans are living substantially longer. In the 1950s, the global average lifespan was about 47 years; by 2023, it has increased to approximately 73 years. The U.S. reflects this trend, with average lifespan climbing from 68 in the 1950s to around 77 today. These outcomes—fewer children and longer lives—set the stage for demographic imbalances that could jeopardize societal support systems.
The Complex Causes Behind These Trends
The reasons for declining fertility are multifaceted: social changes like feminism, the rise of social media, contraceptive accessibility, and economic factors such as the high costs associated with raising children. Though not the focus of this piece, these aspects are debatable and invite further discussion.