The Baby Boomer Generation

The Baby Boomer Generation This explosive generation comprised the years of 1946-1964. While the fundamental meaning of the moniker of the Baby Boomers had to do with the fact that after WWII, there were record numbers of babies born: In 1946 there were 3.4 million babies born, a full 20% more than in 1945; In 1947, another 3.8 million babies were born; Jumping to 1952, 3.9 million were born; and more than 4 million were born every year from 1954 until 1964, when the boom finally tapered off (these statistics were found on the History.com website). This sustained boom of babies has yet to be surpassed in the history of America. What else went “Boom” with this generation? • Social booms o Rock and Roll music—i.e. Elvis Presley, The Beattles o The Sexual Revolution o Working mothers o The beginning of “cocooning” o Divorce was beginning to be accepted as a tolerable reality • Economic booms o Buy now, pay later=high indebtedness o 2 income families for the first time in American history • Technological booms o First TV generation o NASA and the moon landing o Technology and innovation influenced the school systems making America a leader in mathematics and science • Aging Booms o Retirement is seen a break from work and child-rearing and a time for exploration and activity o The Baby Boomer Generation will place a strain on the Social Security system when they retire simply because of the number of Baby Boomers in retirement. This is my generation. I recall so many revolutions in society, including the God is Dead movement. How will knowing more about this generation assist you to provide spiritual support to a Baby Boomer hospice patient? Do you see a connection between these characteristics and how that person is who he or she is? Might there be guilt or shame in the patient’s life? Why or why not? What type relationship to God or Higher Power might this person have?