I'm another who thinks that there may be a shift in interests within folk music amongst younger people rather than a decline in numbers of younger people.

I think that the folk club scene is less appealing and that traditional ballad singing may be loosing out but the instrumental side is perhaps gaining. There seems to me to be far more people looking beyond singing and strumming chords on guitar now. Sessions also seem more popular.

I went to a session a couple of weeks ago where I'd guess I was one of two over 40s in the room and the majority were in thier 20s. I didn't feel as if I was being looked upon as an "old fart" so I don't think there is any reason to believe the younger ones don't want the older ones around - just a case of enjoy thier music and session for what it is. This (almost entierely instrumental) one had Irish, English, French, blues, etc.

If there really are shifts, perhaps it is because a greater range of folk music and of instruments are easily accessible rather than an age thing. Perhaps people are finding some of the tunes and dance music more exciting than traditional ballads. Perhaps people are finding joining in more pleasurable than performing a spot of 3 in a folk club. I know I do.