This is a subject that I have raised on this blog many times. It is a fact that in many countries that the average age of radio amateurs is now very high. Fewer young people are joining the ranks and even fewer stay. Radio no longer is the magic it was to old people.
In my view amateur radio splits into two camps. This may be a simplification.
Some now just prefer to operate, increasingly using digital modes like FT8 with CW and SSB sharply declining. Some of these want to rise to the challenge of DXCC.
A few enjoy the challenge of experimentation. This can take many forms.
Another trend is deregulation, with many PTTS not wanting the hassle of dealing with a service that does not generate money.
In the future I can see a day coming when many PTTs will "throw in the towel" and will no longer police amateur radio and the allocation of callsigns. This could go several ways: amateur radio could merge with CB and become licence free. Experimenters will continue using licence free frequencies or paying for the privilage. Other options may emerge.
What is certain is amateur radio will change.
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