What Is a Baby Boomer?

If an individual was born between the years of 1946 and 1964, that person is considered to be a baby
boomer. The baby boomer age range as of 2022 is 58 to 76 years old. During the baby boomer birth
years, the number of births increased significantly. This started in 1946, when there were 3.4 million
infants born in a single year, which was a record high. This growth continued to over 4 million new
births per year from 1953 through 1964. As 1965 approached, the number of births began to
decrease, and the baby boom came to an end.

During this 18-year time frame, there were 76.4 million people born in the United States, equaling
almost 25 percent of the population. As of 2020, nearly 22 percent of the population is baby
boomers, who are now entering into retirement years. In fact, over 30 percent of baby boomers
chose retirement during the COVID outbreak, and this is anticipated to increase to 75% in the near
future.

Reasons for the Boom

Although there is not one specific cause of the baby boom, historical events likely impacted the baby
boomer birth years from 1946 through 1964. Historians believe that the end of World War II in 1945
greatly impacted this rise. As soldiers returned from war and many of the women who had entered
the workforce to produce goods while the men were away could return back home, reunited couples
began optimistically planning their futures. Many young veterans and their wives were now
positively impacting the economy, and the suburban living movement began.

In the 1950s, many of these young couples decided to start families, and they needed adequate
housing, which was the beginning of the suburban living economy. Urban apartment living was on
the costlier side, and it made more sense for couples to purchase newly developed homes just
outside the city in first-tier suburbs. This option was typically inexpensive due to subsidized mortgage
options for returning WWII veterans. Thus, many suburban houses began to be built, which allowed
young couples affordable living options with more space than urban living afforded, and it included
modest yards, as well. These ideal circumstances allowed many couples the opportunity to start and
grow their families, which led to an eighteen-year baby boom.

Thus, several social, economic, and psychological circumstances led to the baby boom from 1946 to
1964:

World War II came to an end in 1945.

Many women who were in the workforce during World War II were able to return home.

WWII veterans returned to the workforce, further stimulating the economy.

Subsidized mortgage options became available to these young couples.

In the early 1950s, the suburban housing movement began, and many couples had affordable homes
with more space.

The economy was positively impacted by suburban housing, as many of these young families lived in
the same communities, and suburban growth continued.

The rise of births further impacted the economy, and this drove social movements and the
psychological well-being of this age demographic.

Characteristics of the Baby Boomers

Considering there is power in numbers and many of the baby boomers have similar interests,
opinions, and characteristics, many things have been impacted by this generation through the years.
Unlike the generations before them, baby boomers have shown a different perspective on issues like
war, politics, religion, and finances, and their views have impacted those around them. Baby
boomers are often considered nonconformists, defined as people who have different views
(opposing) than the majority. Thus, everything from music to investments to business models to
presidents have been impacted by baby boomers.

Common Characteristics of Baby Boomers

Baby boomers are considered nonconformists, as they often express different views and interests
than the generations before them.

Boomers leaned toward music like rock and roll, and they often experimented with drugs, controlled
substances, and physical relationships.

This generation often encouraged peace and unity and protested against war and violence.

Many boomers fought for racial and gender equality through non-violent protests and movements.

Many boomers protested against the Vietnam War, which led to a draft, as many of this generation
would not voluntarily enlist to fight the war.

Religious views of boomers often differed from previous generations. About 42 percent of boomers
do not follow religion, while 33 percent stayed loyal to the beliefs they grew up with. The remaining
25 percent have spiritual beliefs that tend to be more non-denominational in nature and differ from
the generations previous to them.

In general, baby boomers tend to be more liberal than the previous generations, but many still hold
conservative views. This has led to more separation on hot topic issues such as politics, abortion,
sexual preference, and punishment for crimes than in previous generations.

Baby boomers have strongly impacted the economy, as well. They tend to be more financially stable
and consumer-oriented with larger amounts of disposable income.

The Future of the Baby Boomer Generation

As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the economy, demographic, and social impact will
follow suit. However, many boomers do not yet consider themselves to be older. In fact, this
generation considers themselves to be senior citizens around the chronological age of 72. This
change greatly impacts the United States, but there are also noticeable impacts in Europe and Asia.
The first baby boomers began turning 65 years old in 2015, and they will all reach traditional
retirement age by 2030, with more than 10 thousand people turning 65 every day.

In the United States, 20 percent of the population will be retired by 2030.

In Europe, 20 percent of the population was at retirement age by 2019, and this will increase to over
30 percent by 2050. However, many people of retirement age are choosing to remain in the
workforce in Europe.

In Asia, 25 percent of the population will be over the age of 60 by 2050.

Considering that the baby boomer generation often drives the marketplace, products and services for
this demographic will likely have a substantial impact on the economy. Since this generation makes
up a large portion of the population in many countries, as this age group continues to hit retirement
it will be noticeable within the workforce. There are fewer members of younger generations entering
the workforce. Furthermore, since the outbreak of COVID has launched many boomers into early
retirement, it is likely that unemployment rates will continue to be higher than they were in the past.

Lesson Summary

The birth of the baby boomer generation lasted from 1946 –1964. This led to 76.4 million births in an
eighteen-year time frame, which was almost 25 percent of the population. After World War II ended,
many veterans returned home, and women left the workplace to start families. A mortgage subsidy
was available to many in this demographic, leading to the suburban living economy that began in the
1950s. This allowed the parents of the baby boomers the space and financial security to have families
of their own, which led to the baby boomer generation.

The baby boomer generation has greatly impacted the economy and culture since. Baby boomers are
often characterized as nonconformists, as their views differ on topics such as entertainment,
government, politics, and religion. They are also more financially secure than previous generations.
The baby boomers will continue to impact the economy as they reach the retirement age of 65 at a
rate of 10,000 daily, with everyone in this generation reaching this milestone by the year 2030. As of
2022, the age range of baby boomers is 58 to 76 years.
1. What events likely impacted the baby boomer birth years?

2. Why did many baby boomers choose to purchase homes in first-tier suburbs?

3. How did the baby boomer generation impact the economy and culture?

4. What characteristics are commonly associated with baby boomers?

5. What social issues did many baby boomers protest against?

6. What are the religious views of baby boomers?

7. What impact does the baby boomer generation have on the workforce as they reach
retirement age?

8. How has the baby boomer population impacted the economy?

9. What percentage of the population is expected to be retired by 2030 in the United States?

10. In what age range do baby boomers currently fall?