Question

americans age 85 and older
year | 1900 | 1950 | 1960 | 2000 | 2010
number (in millions) | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 4.2 | 6.1

1. what is the most likely reason for the trend shown in the table?

a. advances in medical technology
b. public infrastructure projects
c. increasing national defense
d. increases in health care costs

Explanation:

The table shows the number of Americans aged 85 and older increasing over time. Advances in medical technology (A) improve healthcare, leading to longer lifespans and more people reaching 85+. Public infrastructure (B) and national defense (C) don't directly impact longevity. Increasing healthcare costs (D) would likely limit access, not increase the elderly population. So A is the most logical reason.

Answer:

A. advances in medical technology