[cortesoft]

That seems like it wouldn't work... I mean, a fraction of the 'older generation' dies off every day.... and a few new people join the 'older generation' as they age.

Now, I can imagine saying things like "The progress will only happen once all the people who grew up with things being the old way die off," especially with things like interracial or gay marriage, but I don't think that applies to something like housing. Whoever owns the current houses will never want more houses built; that will only drive down the value of their property. It may be true that the people who own those homes are usually older, but that will not end when they 'die off'.

[Vexs]

You're absolutely correct; I quoted a gross oversimplification of the theory. It's more to do with per generation than actual old people, and people are always protective of home value.

Consider, however, that when an elderly person dies their assets,in this case houses, are usually sold off, which might be enough for a builder. It's not the core tenant of my argument, but it's something I'd never thought of before.