It started with Generation X, people born between 1965-1980. The preceding generation was the Baby Boomers, born 1946-1964. Post-World War II, Americans enjoyed newfound prosperity, which resulted in a "baby boom." The children born as a result were dubbed the Baby Boomers.

What Are Baby Boomers? – Definition, Age & Characteristics

Individuals born in America between 1946 and 1964 are referred to as ‘baby boomers’ as a result of the significant increase of births that occurred during that 22-year period. Learn about the definition, characteristics, and effects of baby boomers on the aging demographic in America. Updated: 09/21/2021

Baby boomers are a designated group of people who were born between 1946 and 1964. They are labeled as ‘baby boomers’ because during this period of time, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of births that occurred. In 1946, the first year of the ‘boom,’ there were 3.4 million babies born in the U.S., a record number during a 1-year period. These numbers steadily increased to roughly four million babies born each year between 1953 and 1964. By the end of 1964, when the trend started to decline, 76.4 million people were born during that 22-year period, which comprised about one-quarter of the U.S. population.

People grow older. Birthdays stay the same.

A common source of confusion when labeling generations is their age. Generational cohorts are defined (loosely) by birth year, not current age. The reason is simple — generations get older in groups. If you think of Millennials as college kids (18 – 22), then not only are you out of date — you’re thinking of a stage in life, not a generation. Millennials are now well out of college, and that life stage is dominated by Gen Z.

Another example, a member of Generation X who turned 18 in 1998 would now be over 40. In that time, he or she cares about vastly different issues and is receptive to a new set of marketing messages. Regardless of your age, you will always belong to the generation you were born into.

Gen A: Generation Alpha starts with children born in 201 2 and will c ontinue at least through 2025, maybe later (approximately 48 million people in the U.S.)

Sometimes labeled with the moniker “Zillennials”, those wedged at the tail end of Millennials and the start of Gen Z are sometimes labeled with this moniker — a group made up of people born between 1994 and the year 2000.

Originally, the name Generation Z was a placeholder for the youngest people on the planet — although Generation A has now taken over that distinction. However, in the same way that Gen Y morphed into Millennials, there is certainly a possibility that both Gen Z and Gen A may adopt new names as they leave adolescence and mature into their adult identities. While the label Gen A makes discussion easier, it may not be the last word on this group of humans.

Characteristics of Baby Boomers

Hard-working and focused: The baby boomer generation worked hard for their livelihood. They were born to realize the American dream, and they strived to reach it. It is the generation that witnessed the civil rights movement, women’s empowerment, and the moon landing – tasks that required hard work and goal getters.

Competitive : By virtue of being born in a period of high birth rates, baby boomers grew up competing for things in school, society, and the economy. In the early years of the generation, schools were overcrowded, colleges saw limited capacity, and jobs were limited. Therefore, baby boomers grew up fighting to compete for resources and win. They would not settle for second if the first was attainable and are defined by this need to succeed.

Value relationships: Baby boomers grew up together, some as large families and some as friends. Together with family values, such relationships strengthened over time, helped in part by increasing labor laws, which created more free time.

Independent: Baby boomers developed an independent mindset and self-confidence through hard work and abilities. In addition, they are resourceful and confident to handle matters themselves.

Pursue excellence and quality: Baby boomers lived through a period of change after the war period, causing them to accept quality and excellence for all goods and services. They are also prepared to pay top dollar for a commodity they perceive as high value.

What Generation Came Before Baby Boomers? Which Came After?

As noted, the Silent Generation came directly prior to the Baby Boomer generation. This generation, which spanned from 1925 through 1945 was an era in which these individuals were considered more cautious than their parents were. This generation was responsible, though, for shaping the 20th century pop culture and they brought with them television legends, filmmakers, gonzo journalists and political satirists. Interestingly, there are no presidents born in this generation.

Generation X came after the Baby Boomer generation. These individuals were born between 1964 and 1982 (sometimes this is from 1965 through 1979.) No members of this generation served as president. However, this generation is known to have done well. The group collectively learned more than Baby Boomers did when they were the same age. However, only 36 percent of them have more wealth than their parents. That’s due to the increased amount of debt held by this generation. By 2028, Generation X will outnumber Baby Boomers. As of 2016, there were between 61.2 million and 65.6 million present in the country.

What Generation Are You If You Are On The Cusp?

On 10-21-2017 we added info on iGen, and changed their start date from 1996 to 1995, and changed Millennials end date from 1995 to 1994. To be consistent with Jean Twenge PhD’s work. Also changed iGen end date from 2010 to 2012 for the same reason.

Why make these changes? The cut off dates for each generation vary over time as the characteristics of that generation become more well understood. In the US, it appears demographers are trying to stick to ranges of 15 years (Japan uses 10 years). Finally, as the public pays more attention to generations, such as Millenials, certain dates become more accepted.

The bottom line is that the experts do not agree on when generations begin and end. Sorry for this confusion. I would prefer to have things nice and tidy, precise and exact.

On 5-30-2017 I clarified that the weapons of mass destruction the Bush Administration lied to us about, was of the nuclear and biological types. They did find chemical weapons which are considered WMDs (I did not know that), although that’s not what scared us into war. It was the fear that Iraq could use nuclear and bio weapons against us. They already had a history of using chemical weapons against their neighbors and their own people.

References:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-baby-boomers-definition-age-characteristics.html
https://www.kasasa.com/exchange/articles/generations/gen-x-gen-y-gen-z
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/baby-boomers/
https://www.seniorliving.org/life/baby-boomers/
https://www.careerplanner.com/Career-Articles/Generations.cfm