Baby boomers push median age higher; fewer children born

The United States grew older, faster, in the last decade.

The share of residents 65 or older grew by more than a third from 2010 to 2020 and at the fastest rate of any decade in 130 years, while the share of children declined, according to new figures from the most recent census.

The declining percentage of children under age 5 was particularly noteworthy in the figures from the 2020 head count released Thursday. Combined, the trends mean the median age in the U.S. jumped from 37.2 to 38.8 over the decade.

America’s two largest age groups propelled the changes: more baby boomers turning 65 or older and millennials who became adults or pushed further into their 20s and early 30s. Also, fewer children were born between 2010 and 2020, according to numbers from the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident.

WASHINGTON 1 in 10 get long COVID after omicron

About 10% of people appear to suffer long COVID after an omicron infection, a lower estimate than earlier in the pandemic, according to a study of nearly 10,000 Americans.

Early findings from the National Institutes of Health’s study highlight a dozen symptoms that most distinguish long COVID, the catchall term for the sometimes debilitating health problems that can last for months or years after even a mild case of COVID-19.

By some estimates, roughly 1 in 3 of COVID-19 patients have experienced long COVID.

WASHINGTON Paxlovid gets full FDA approval

Pfizer received full approval on Thursday for its COVID-19 pill Paxlovid that’s been the go-to treatment against the coronavirus.

The Food and Drug Administration allowed emergency use in late 2021.

The FDA granted full approval for adults with COVID-19

who face high risks of severe disease. That group typically includes older adults and those with common medical conditions like diabetes, asthma and obesity.

The decision allows Pfizer’s drug to remain on the market indefinitely and to be marketed similarly to other drugs. The pill is still available for children ages 12 to 17 under a separate emergency authorization.

WASHINGTON Debt talks teeter as lawmakers leave

Debt ceiling talks were being pushed to the brink as House members prepared to leave town Thursday for the holiday weekend just days before the U.S. could face an unprecedented default.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he’s directed his negotiating team “to work 24/7 to solve this problem.” Republican are demanding spending cuts the Democrats oppose, and McCarthy said a deal could come together “at any time.”

President Joe Biden assessed that talks remained productive though serious disagreements remained.