Who Are Baby Boomers?

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are a member of the Baby Boomer generation.

Why Are We Called Baby Boomers?

Almost exactly nine months after World War II ended, more babies were born in 1946 than any year in American history. 3.4 million little “boomers” were born in 1946, 20 percent more than were born in 1945! Guess those boys were glad to be back home aye?

This elevated birthrate continued through the next 18 years until it finally tapered off in 1964. By the end of the year there were 76.4 million “baby boomers” in the United States. We made up almost 40 percent of the nation’s population.

By 2030, about one in five Americans will be older than 65. Because of our generation’s size, we have a significant impact on our nation’s economy and growth, but at the same time there is concern that our aging population will also place a strain on social welfare systems. (“Baby Boomers” History.com)

How Could a Typical Baby Boomer Be Described?

Is there really any “typical”? We are a diverse group, but this is a general collection of our beliefs and character traits.

+ We believe anything is possible.

+ We are extremely loyal to our children.

+ We are ambitious.

+ We are ethical and loyal.

+ We are willing to take on responsibility.

+ We are competent multi-taskers.

+ We work efficiently and have good communications skills.

+ We are willing to take risks and are driven.

+ We believe in equal rights and equal opportunities.

I feel that the below traits that a lot of us Boomers share, although not all desirable traits, were borne from the music and culture of our times. With so many of our generation in VietNam, fear ran rampant.

“Make Love Not War“, “Give Peace a Chance” became mantras. We experienced Woodstock, free love, drugs, love-ins, the hippie culture, flower children and music to express ourselves and find peace.

We developed a fierce determination to create happiness and find peace in whatever way worked for us. To become your own person without judgement was the norm of our times. We ran with it.

> We have a “spend now, worry later”, “buy now, pay later” attitude

> We are competitive.

> We challenge authority.We become judgemental when disagreed with.

> We don’t like conformity and rules – we challenge the status quo.

> We tend to be workaholics – we invented the 50-hr work week.

> We expect everyone else to be workaholics.

> We can be self-centered – personal growth is important to us.

> We’re not great with finances (see #1 above).

Where We Fit In the Current Generations