In 2026, the oldest baby boomers are turning 80 years old. Baby boomers are individuals born between 1946 and 1964. According to the United States Census, an estimated 10,000 to 11,000 people turn 65 years old each day, representing 4.1 million people a year. This trend is expected to continue until 2030, when all baby boomers will be older than 65. People may know them by their generational name, but who are they really?

Baby Boomer Facts

• Baby boomers are considered the driving engine of today’s workforce and will continue to comprise at least 10 percent or more of the workforce until 2030. They have a strong work ethic and may be considered workaholics.
• As this generation grows older, they will influence the senior housing market, driving demand for more amenities for older and active individuals.
• They are adapting to technology with high engagement on social media.
• Baby boomers generally played outside and made things from scratch.
• This generation was involved in many cultural shifts, such as the Civil Rights Movement, women’s rights, greater environmental awareness, and war protests.
• They may need training on how to work with younger generations, especially Gen Z.

Alabama Baby Boomers

• In Alabama, this generation comprises 25 percent of the state’s population.
• Two percent are in the workforce, mostly in part-time jobs.
• Forty percent live alone, while another 43 percent live with spouses.
• Many Alabamians are aging in place, keeping their homes rather than downsizing when children leave the nest.
• Life expectancy is only 73.8 years old, requiring quality health care and education on making better lifestyle choices.

Implications for Alabama Extension

• Continue to expand programs like the Successful Aging Initiative and programs through the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute that focus on older adults.
• Capitalize on the experience and skills of baby boomers by encouraging them to volunteer.
• Continue to promote health and wellness, particularly healthy eating, to prevent or reduce incidences of chronic diseases as this generation ages in place.
• Continue to strengthen caregiving programs to help baby boomers cope with caregiving responsibilities.

As more and more Americans age past 60, the demographic is bound to influence and change the housing and health care industries. Look for Alabama to mirror those changes as the silver wave continues.