Up First from NPR How Smaller Families are Changing the World
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Nov 2, 2025 
Joining the discussion are Sarah McCammon, an NPR correspondent focused on demographic change, and Brian Mann, who reports on population decline. They dive into the implications of shrinking family sizes and the challenges of aging populations. The conversation touches on the balance between personal fulfillment and career, the impact of economic and cultural changes on birth rates, and local issues like school closures. They also explore the role of government policies, community responses, and potential adaptations necessary to address these demographic shifts.
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Aging Counties Signal Local Collapse
- Half of U.S. counties now have more older people than children, signaling broad demographic change.
- That shift is already altering communities, schools, and local economies.
Fertility Drop Redefines Population Stability
- Total fertility rate measures average lifetime children per woman and has fallen globally from about five to 2.2.
- Falling below replacement rate causes populations to age and eventually shrink, reshaping societies.
Teen Says Island Offers No Future
- Georgia Grammaticu, 16, says she won't stay on her small Greek island because there are few opportunities.
- Shrinking local populations close shops and push young people to leave, worsening decline.