If you identify as a baby boomer, then you’re a member of the generation born between 1946 and 1964, a period marked by significant population growth following World War II. You grew up during times of economic prosperity, technological advancement and social change, and you shaped much of the economy, policies and culture we share today. By 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65+, and by 2040, roughly 78.3 million Americans will fall within this age group, which is why you may often find baby boomers at the center of discussions about politics, retirement and health care concerns.
The first wave of the generation was born after World War II, shaped by the 1950s, an era marked by economic prosperity and conformity, whereas the second wave grew up during the turbulent times of the ‘60s and the war in Vietnam. In turn, there are major differences among baby boomers. Joy Loverde, author of “The Complete Eldercare Planner” and “Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?” often divides members of the generation into two categories: younger boomers and older boomers. And although this generation is large enough to hold both a parent and a child under one umbrella, they do share key characteristics, says Loverde.
Read on to learn baby boomer generation traits as well as what experts say are their common health, financial and overall concerns for their future.
Key takeaways
- The baby boomer generation, born 1946–1964, have significantly shaped the economy, policies and culture.
- Many boomers face financial and emotional struggles in retirement, with some continuing to work while others navigate issues like chronic illnesses, caregiving responsibilities and the desire to age in place.
- Boomers value independence, loyalty and planning for the future. Maintaining social connections, financial stability and emotional well-being remains crucial for their quality of life.
What are characteristics of the baby boomer generation?
The experts we spoke to agree that there are common characteristics members of the baby boomer generation share.
- They value their independence.
- They value hard work and loyalty.
- They respect authority.
- They are planners and savers.
- They are goal-oriented.
- They are cautious.
- They take care of their elders.
- They want to enjoy retirement.
- They want to age in place.
Interesting facts about the baby boomer generation
Baby boomers have dramatically reshaped America’s demographic profile.
Many are aging solo.
Due to increased divorce rates, fewer children and a greater emphasis on self-reliance, one in six baby boomers, or 26 million people, are aging alone, according to the US Census Bureau.
They’re not retiring.
In 2023, 11.2 million Americans aged 65+ were in the labor force meaning they were either still working or actively seeking work, according toa report by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
This population will keep growing.
The ACL report also states people 65 and older increased by 34%, from 43.1 million in 2012 to 57.8 million in 2022. By 2040, about 78.3 million people will be 65 or older, more than twice as many as in 2000 (35 million).
They improved life expectancy.
According to the National Institute on Aging, the population increase is owed to changes made by baby boomers themselves. For instance, infectious diseases that once claimed millions of lives in America have been largely brought under control. Additionally, public health campaigns and policy changes — such as efforts to reduce smoking and laws requiring seat belt use — have played a significant role in improving public health.
What is the baby boomer generation known for?
According to a Pew Research Center survey, baby boomers are the “gloomiest generation” compared to older and younger generations because of their outlook on life, overall health and income concerns. Many in this generation reported feeling stretched both emotionally and financially as they balance between still raising children while still supporting their parents.
A similar Pew survey found that half of all boomers were raising one or more young children and/or providing primary financial support to one or more adult children while an additional two in 10 were providing some financial assistance to a parent.
At the same time, boomers are known for being fiercely independent and “knowing their place in the world,” especially in regards to their place in their families, points out Loverde. She says she and others in her generation were taught to respect their elders, eat the food placed on the table and trust their parents were making the right decisions.
“We were often told by our parents, ‘You’re going to take care of me when I get older,’ and we knew we would,” she recalls. When boomers began to take care of their aging loved ones, the role of family caregiving wasn’t as complex as it is now, because boomers’ parents didn’t live as long and the cost of living wasn’t as high as it is today, notes Loverde.
What are the differences between the baby boomer generation and millennials?
Baby boomers and millennials grew up in very different worlds. See chart below for some key differences noted by the experts we spoke to.
| Baby boomers | Millennials |
| Born between 1946 and 1964 | Born between 1981 and 1996 |
| Grew up post WWII during economic prosperity, with conservative and stable social values | Grew up during the tech boom during economic uncertainty and social shifts |
| Value hard work, stability and employee loyalty | Value work-life balance and flexibility |
| Strong focus on traditional family structures | Varied family arrangements, delayed marriage |
| Generally conservative, value authority and embrace social norms | Generally progressive, challenge authority and social norms |
| Benefited from economic prosperity and stability | Face higher student debt, housing challenges |
| Prefer stability, ownership and long-term planning | Prefer experiences over possessions and flexible living arrangements |
| Traditional career paths, long-term job security | Frequent job changes, gig economy, side hustles |
What role do baby boomers play in family dynamics today?
Baby boomers are “often the backbone of multi-generational families, serving as caregivers for aging parents, supporting adult children and playing a critical role in child care for grandchildren,” explains Dr. Evan Ciarloni, a geriatric physician and medical advisor at KINNECT in Jackson, Mississippi. Their well-being directly affects and impacts the stability of the entire family unit, he adds.
Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist at Synergy Homecare in Tempe, Arizona agrees, adding that boomers also act as “fountains of insights and wisdom.”
Baby boomers are “often the backbone of multi-generational families, serving as caregivers for aging parents, supporting adult children and playing a critical role in child care for grandchildren.”
— Dr. Evan Ciarloni, a geriatric physician and medical advisor
Health and family-related challenges faced by the baby boomer generation
Many boomers are managing multiple chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, points out Ciarloni.
“One thing that’s often overlooked in this demographic is the impact of lifestyle factors like sleep insufficiency, poor nutrition and social isolation,” says Ciarloni.
These health concerns often result in boomers’ adult children having to serve as their caregivers and advocates, ensuring that their parents aren’t abused, neglected or exploited. Caregivers of boomers are also navigating a fine line between providing necessary support and respecting autonomy.
Both experts stress that successful aging requires a collaborative approach. “It’s essential for baby boomers and their caregivers to prioritize their health, their social connections and their sense of purpose,” note Ciarloni and Smith. This partnership approach creates healthier family dynamics where support flows in multiple directions.
Retirement challenges faced by the baby boomer generation
When it comes to retirement and life post-career, older baby boomers are often prepared more financially than emotionally, according to the experts we spoke to. As Ciarloni points out, many boomers “struggle to find meaning and connection after retirement,” which can lead to depression and withdrawal from family activities.
On the positive side, boomers have generally planned for retirement and some have gained an inheritance from their parents, according to Nick Bour, a financial advisor and the founder of Inspire Wealth in Brighton, Michigan.
Many boomers want to enjoy what they saved for retirement and avoid being a burden to their children — something they grew up thinking was “an unforgivable thing,” adds Bour.
Bour has experienced firsthand what it’s like to care for a boomer parent who is concerned about placing undue stress on her kids. His aging mother lived an hour away, and with growing concerns about her health and safety, he and his wife sold their home and helped to sell his mother’s home so they could consolidate and care for his mother full time. He adds he often has to remind his mother that she is not a burden.
“It’s essential for baby boomers and their caregivers to prioritize their health, their social connections and their sense of purpose.”
— Dr. Evan Ciarloni and Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist
Senior care challenges faced by the baby boomer generation
Senior care is an increasingly complex issue for baby boomers, as they face the challenge of maintaining independence while navigating health care systems, assisted living options and financial concerns.
Aging in place
Many seniors want to age in place, but this comes with the difficulty of balancing health needs with the desire for autonomy.
“Access to quality senior care is a growing concern,” points out Ciraloni who adds that many factors have contributed to this such as:
- The inability for health facilities to meet growing demand
- Geographic disparities for those living in rural areas
- Financial or insurance constraints
Meanwhile, many seniors have multiple chronic conditions that require coordinated care, he adds.
And boomers aging alone, such as those who don’t have family serving as their caregivers, often wonder who will advocate for them, notes Loverde..
Emotional wellness concerns for the baby boomer generation
Beyond the financial and health care challenges baby boomers face, emotional well-being is often overlooked in senior care discussions, says Ciraloni. When considering institutional care or assisted living, Ciraloni notes that primary concern for this demographic and many health care professionals who take care of them is helping them to “feel as though they belong.”
He notes that caregivers need to “learn ways to engage this population.” This might look like helping them to find new meaning through volunteering, storytelling or encouraging them to stay socially active.
A final word on the baby boomer generation
Defined by a strong sense of independence, loyalty and respect for authority, baby boomers are focused on enjoying their later years while maintaining their independence, often with the desire to age in place. Aging alone can exacerbate these risks, leading to feelings of isolation and limited access to caregiving support.
That said, boomers can promote healthy aging by focusing on self-care, says Ciarloni. “You can’t pour from an empty cup; invest in yourself,” he says. “It’s never too late to make a change.”
He encourages a mindset of gradual improvement — whether you’re working on being more active or volunteering — suggesting you aim for just one percent better each day and celebrate small wins along the way. This approach acknowledges that aging well doesn’t require dramatic transformations but rather consistent, incremental steps that compound over time. No matter where you are in your boomer years, or if you’re supporting someone who is, these small, sustainable changes can dramatically improve quality of life in the years ahead.
