My net worth has probably looked like this at various times in my life, but remember these are only pictures at a certain point in life. Real wealth (net worth) is accumulated over time. That’s probably the major reason seniors appear to be doing so well - they’ve simply been in the game longer and gotten past some of life’s major challenges. Looking at the decline ages of 29-37, I have to ask what affected me at that point in my life. Major issues were a move up house with a large mortgage, cyclical declines in the general economy, family health issues, additional children, job changes, etc. Once beyond college expenses, my wife and I were able to accumulate until the financial collapse of 2008-2013. Now older, without jobs, and in an economy that doesn’t reward savings, I expect many seniors will have financial growth more closely mirroring that of 20-37 year olds.