Question

1. directions: use the below table to help you answer question 4. 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 (from 0.1 million in 1900 to 6.1 million in 2010). Advances in medical technology (Option A) improve healthcare, leading to longer lifespans and more people reaching 85+. Public infrastructure (B) relates to buildings/transport, not directly to aging. Increasing national defense (C) is about military, not longevity. Increases in health care costs (D) would likely limit access, not increase the elderly population. So A is the most logical reason.

Answer:

A. advances in medical technology