Other changes have been social, affecting the size and number of families, the lifestyles of older people and the quality of our community life. Most importantly, these changes have influenced each other. Ten observations about such changes form the basis of this report. We present information to support each statement and make some attempt to show the implications of each. The focus of the report is Missouri the state of our state.
Few states can match the diversity of Missouri.
Missouri is the state where the four major regions of the United States come together. The terms back East , out West , up North , and down South have greater meaning if you re standing in Missouri than almost anywhere else. Each of the major regions either begins or ends here, depending on your point of view. The West begins either at St. Louis or St. Joseph, depending on which period of history you choose. Diversity also means that no two parts of the state are confronted with exactly the same problems and challenges.