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Baby boomer facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The term baby boomer most commonly refers to people born during the years 1946 to 1964 worldwide. In Canada it is anyone born between 1960 and 1980. Australia identifies baby boomers as those born between 1946 and 1961. Generally, after 1960 the birth rate started falling. In 1951, Sylvia F. Porter, a columnist for the New York Post, first used the term baby boom for the rapid rise in birthrate after Word War II.

Economic impact

From 1945 to 1964 about seventy-seven million babies were born in the United States. In the 1950s baby boomers bought Mouse-ear hats after they watched "The Mickey Mouse Club". They danced to rock and roll and idolized singers like Elvis Presley. Hula hoops and Barbie dolls were wildly popular.

By the 1960s many baby boomers were teenagers. They spent nearly $20 million on things including food, clothing, and recorded music. Businesses were eager to find ways to meet their demands. By the 1970s entire industries were changing because of baby boomers.

Aging and end-of-life issues

In 1998 the baby boomers began to discuss about their end-of-life issues; but many commentators think they have became burdens for their children and society. According to the 2011 Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com surveys:

60% lost value in investments because of the economic crisis 42% are delaying retirement 25% claim they will never retire (currently still working)

Baby boomer today

The oldest baby boomers were 67 years old in 2013 and one in five Americans will be 65 years old in 2030. Many people believe they will become a stress on social welfare systems.

Images for kids

  • US living adult generations

    Population in 2019 can be higher than births due to immigration; lower population can be due to deaths and emigration.

  • Spelende kinderen - Children playing with toys (6437678745)

    Two Dutch children playing with toys (1958): The 1950s and 1960s were an economically prosperous time in the West.

  • 1960s clothing styles, New York City, 1967 (604094270)

    Young people in New York City (1967). Prosperity played a role in shaping the youth culture of the 1960s.

  • Prenez vos désirs pour des réalités - 1968

    A graffiti telling students to "take your desires for reality" in the Sorbonne, May 1968.

  • Home economist Mary Norris with Girl Scout, 1966 (49061281787)

    Home economist Mary Norris with a Girl Scout, Seattle, Washington, 1966

  • Population pyramid of the European Union 2016

    Population pyramid of the European Union in 2016

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Baby boomer para niños

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