Representatives of every generation usually have some specific traits typical to that group. Despite growing up in different families and locations, they boast similarities due to living in the same time and under similar circumstances when it comes to the bigger picture.
For example, the Baby Boomer generation, born in between 1946 and 1964, was largely shaped by coming into this world in the years following World War II and the Great Depression, according to Investopedia. During that time people believed in a safe and prosperous future and were keen on creating a family they’d put off before.
The urge to create a family is where the name for the entire generation comes from. Investopedia pointed out that after World War II, there was a sudden increase in birth rates, also known as the baby boom. During that time, in the US alone, the boom brought about 76 million babies into this world.
Up until 2019, Baby Boomers held the title of the largest living adult generation in the US. They were dethroned by Millennials, who, according to Pew Research Center, outnumbered them that year by less than a million—72.1 million Millennials vs. 71.6 million Baby Boomers.
Insider pointed out that Baby Boomers have lived through quite a few significant moments in history. Civil rights movements, politics-related matters, even concerts and music all played an important role in shaping the face of an entire generation. For example, the movement started by Rosa Parks in 1955, Martin Luther King, Jr’s March in Washington in 1963, the election and assassination of John F. Kennedy, even the start of the craze over The Beatles all happened during the Boomer years.
Historical context is not the only major influence when it comes to the formation of any generation. Technological advancement has also affected nearly every person there is, and when it comes to Boomers, they have been at the forefront of some of the novelties that we use to this day. Reuters listed some of the inventions by Baby Boomers that changed the world, which include things from DNA fingerprinting to the iconic Apple products, the automated external defibrillator, and even the World Wide Web, among many others.
Data shows that Boomers and technology are likely a better pairing than some youngsters believe them to be. Pew Research Center revealed that nearly 70% of baby boomers have a smartphone, which they use for everything from connecting to friends and family to managing their finances.
Google reported that over 80% of ‘digital seniors’ use their smartphones every day. In addition to that, 86% of them spend at least six hours a day online and own an average of five devices. Even though the younger generation is often deemed to be glued to their phones, these numbers show that Baby Boomers can be pretty focused on their devices as well.
According to Family Search, technological advancement is one of the reasons Baby Boomers are considered to be resourceful. In addition to that, representatives of this generation are known to value relationships and quality time spent with their family and friends. Family Research pointed out that they’re also goal-oriented and self-assured, showing confidence in themselves and their abilities.
The founder of ‘AmeriCulture’, Lawrence R. Samuel, PhD, also discussed Baby Boomer characteristics in an article for Psychology Today, where he revealed the 10 core values of their generation. The author pointed out that despite their age, Boomers are very much focused on youthfulness and gaining knowledge, as well as training the muscle of creativity. They are also not afraid of reinventing themselves and crossing items off of their bucket list.