In 2006, the oldest of the baby boomers began turning 60-years-old. Among those Americans celebrating their 60’s are our two most recent presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Other well-known celebrities include Cher, Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton. The Census Bureau has compiled a collection of facts relating to the generation.
James & Mary - The most popular baby names for boys and girls, respectively, in 1946. Today, the names Jacob and Emily lead the list; James ranks 17th among boys and Mary is 63rd among girls. (Source: Social Security Administration, http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ babynames/index.html)
50.8 percent - Percentage of women baby boomers in 2005. http://www.census.gov/pop est/national/
9.1 million - Estimated number of baby boomers in 2004 who were black. 8.0 million boomers were Hispanic. http://www.census. gov/popest/national/
32 percent - Proportion of Alaska's population that was part of the baby boom generation, as of the last census. Baby boomers also made up 30 percent or more of the population in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. In contrast, Utah (23 percent) was the only state where baby boomers constituted less than 25 percent. http://www.census.gov/prod/20 01pubs/c2kbr01-12.pdf
Then and Now
141 million - Estimated U.S. population in 1946. Today, the nation's population stands at about 298 million. http://www.census.gov/popest/ archives/1990s/popclockest.txt and, http://www.census.gov
33 percent and 5 percent - The proportions of adults age 25 and older with at least a high school diploma and at least a bachelor's degree, respectively, in 1947. By 2004, the respective proportions had risen to 85 percent and 28 percent. http://www.census.gov/population/ www/socdemo/educattn.html
The Future
$2,695 - Average annual expenditures on health care in 2004 for people ages 45 to 54 - the age group that is the heart of the baby boom generation. When budgeting medical expenses, boomers should expect increased health care spending as they age; for instance, those age 55 to 64 spent $3,262, and those 65 and over, $3,899. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics at: http://www.bls.gov/cex/2004/St andard/age.pdf
57.8 million - Number of boomers living in 2030, according to projections; 54.9 percent would be female. That year, boomers would be between ages 66 and 84. http://www.census.gov/ipc/ww w/usinterimproj/
2.1 - The number of workers for each Social Security beneficiary in 2031, when all baby boomers will be over age 65. Currently, there are 3.3 workers for each Social Security beneficiary. (Source: Social Security Administration, at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/ basicfact.htm
4,041 - Number of continuing care retirement facilities in 2003. Many boomers could have parents in need of such facilities or may have to move into such a facility themselves in the future. http://www.census. gov/prod/www/abs/cbptotal.html
27,813 - Number of fitness and recreation centers nationwide in 2003. These are good places to visit on a regular basis for boomers who are trying to become or stay physically fit.