Ten Ways Boomers Changed The World

The Boomer generation – i.e., the 78 million people born between 1946 and 1964 - are among the most influential groups in U.S. history. (In fact, there’s a good argument to be made that they’re the most influential of all.) Not only are their numbers enormous, but their cultural, political and social reach is unprecedented. They’ve changed our views on issues as profound as sexuality, aging and parenting. And as more and more move into retirement, they’ll form a group of older people that’s larger than any this country has experienced. Here’s a look at how they changed the world.

They Used The Power Of Protest

The civil rights movement, the Vietnam war, women’s rights, gay rights – it’s likely that none of these causes would have gotten as far as they did without public protests and organized marches involving tens of thousands of people. There were a few historic moments – Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech; Lyndon Johnson ending his career in politics because of Vietnam. But a more general effect has been the Boomer belief that ordinary people, acting together, can change even the most significant national and international politics.

They've Made Middle Age Last Forever It’s likely that the quest for self-improvement, fostered by dozens of human potential books, led Boomers to think that middle age and even old age didn’t have to be dowdy or sedentary. Besides, cosmetic surgery became available to virtually everyone. These days, many people over 50, 60 70 and beyond do their best to look good and feel good—i.e. look younger than they really are. And constant reporting how fabulous some older celebrities look (i.e. Helen Mirren, 66) make it seem possible if you try hard enough.

They're Obsessed With Health If you want to live a long time, you’d better look after your health. And that’s exactly what Boomers are doing. That means buying health books, vitamins, dietary supplements and gym memberships. Altogether, it adds up to a multibillion-dollar business. And alternative health has been such a growth industry that the federal government now has a department devoted to it.

They've Bridged The Generation Gap With Rock'n'Roll The parents of early Boomers were likely listening to Bing Crosby or Perry Como. But after Elvis and the Beatles, everything changed. As Boomers grew up and rock persisted in its popularity, they kept listening. Now Boomers and their kids often like the same classic bands (the Stones, the Who, AC/DC). And though parents may not like every band their kids do, you won’t find them asking the classic 1950s question, “What do kids see in this music, anyway?”

They've Improved The Status Of Women Any woman who grew up in the early Boomer years can tell you just how different everything was then: women were regularly paid less, sexually harassed under the guise of “fun” and were expected to stay home and raise children once they got their man. That began to change after Betty Friedan published “The Feminine Mystique,” an analysis of female discontent, in 1964. By the early 1970s, following the civil rights and antiwar movements, women were fighting for themselves. The results were impressive: the landmark pro-choice decision of Roe v. Wade, Title IX, which guaranteed equal sports programs for girls and boys, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

They've Changed The Status Of Children Once upon a time, children were told to be seen and not heard. Harsh. Boomer parents, many of whom had kids when they were in their 30s or 40s, have gone to the other end of the spectrum, keeping their offspring under constant watch. There’s even a term for it: “helicopter parents.” That means they’re always hovering—not to mention using words like “negotiating.” It’s a sea change.

They Had Great Expectations--And They're Facing Sad Realities With no knowledge of the hardships of the Depression, Boomers grew up thinking that the party would never end: They’d always have enough money, a nice place to live, a good Social Security payment, plus a pension. But for many, it hasn’t worked out that way. Too many Boomers have spent instead of saved. Houses, pensions and 401 (k)s have all become less reliable sources of security, and Boomers, who bought into the idea of a relaxing retirement, face the possibility that they’ll have to continue working.

They Made Personal Stories Important Years ago, memoirs were written by people like Winston Churchill, while ordinary people kept their mouths shut about their lives. Now, because of the emphasis on personal stories on influential shows like “Oprah,” we’ve had a flood of books about depression, family crisis or battle with a serious illness. And while the narratives vary in quality, they’ve often given readers the inspiration to confront their own crises.

They Revolutionized Sex The Pill, introduced in 1960, might be the most important element ever in the liberation of women. Because of the Pill, women had control over when—and if—they got pregnant. That freedom led directly to the sexual revolution, when sex occurred frequently, casually, and as often as not, outside marriage or a committed relationship.

They Practiced Spirituality, Not Religion The new freedom of the 1960s extended to organized religion, too. Many Boomers came to believe that traditional religion was too confining, and began searching for an alternative. Some of them investigated Buddhism and Hinduism (remember the Beatles guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?). Others began practicing nature-worshiping, following human-potential leaders like Deepak Chopra (left) orj ust prayed when they felt like it. “I’m spiritual but not religious” is a familiar Boomer refrain.