In 2014, the last wave of the baby boomers — the generation that vowed to “never trust anyone over 30” — will turn 50. The celebration started when first lady Michelle Obama reached that milestone birthday Friday.
Why should we care?
Because this generation — the 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 — has shaped our contemporary world.
In their prime, they ushered in a new era of music, television, books, movies, fashion and toys that has had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. Now, as they enter the next life stage, they will likely redefine retirement and old age as well.
With this generation solidly in its sweet spot, AARP has declared 2014 the Year of the Boomer and commissioned boomer writer P.J. O’Rourke to pen this essay.
“Yes,” AARP: The Magazine editors wrote, “we’re spoiled rotten. We’re self-absorbed. And it seems like we’ll never shut up. But the boomers made a better world for everyone else. You’re welcome.”
See Wednesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for O’Rourke’s take on the impact his generation has had on the world.