In
2006 The oldest of the baby boomers, the
generation born between 1946 and 1964, will turn 60 years
old!
Among the
American Boomers celebrating their 60th will be our two most
recent presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Other
well-known celebrities reaching this milestone include Cher,
Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton. To
commemorate this occasion, the Census Bureau has compiled a
collection of facts relating to, perhaps, our most celebrated
generation.
78.2
million Estimated number of baby boomers, as of
July 1, 2005.
7,918
Number of people turning 60 each day in 2006, according to
projections. That amounts to 330 every hour.
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.
50.8%
Percentage of women baby boomers in 2005.
9.1
million Estimated number of baby boomers in
2004 who were black. Also, 8.0 million boomers were
Hispanic (of any race).
32%
Proportion of Alaska’s population that was part of the baby
boom generation, as of the last census. Baby boomers also
comprised 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.
Then and Now
141
million Estimated U.S. population in 1946.
Today, the nation’s population stands at about 298
million. 33% and 5% 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. 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, baby 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.
57.8
million Number of baby boomers living in 2030,
according to projections; 54.9 percent would be female.
That year, boomers would be between ages 66 and
84.
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.
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.
Staying Young and Fit
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.
11,938 Number of cosmetics,
beauty supply and perfume stores in 2003. These stores carry
numerous anti aging skin care products aimed at people in this
age group.
