Boomers on the Go (Part I)
Travel habits and tastes can vary widely depending on one’s age. Today and in the coming week we focus on Baby Boomers, individuals who were born between 1946 and 1964. As one of the largest generations in American history – approximately 76 million individuals – Baby Boomers have left an indelible mark on our society.
Etymology?
The term “baby boomer” is tied to the large population growth that occurred in the United States following the end of World War II. While the word “boom” had been widely used to describe this spike in birth rates as men returned from war, it wasn’t until January 1963 when the term “baby boomer” was first coined in a Daily Press article by Leslie J. Nason.
History
The Baby Boom can be attributed to many causes. In some cases, those who wanted families had waited until after the war was over to have children. By this time, the Great Depression’s economic turmoil and the war were finally subsiding (the late 1940s and 1950s saw a general increase in wages and thriving businesses). Soldiers returned home ready to start families and hoped to provide a better life for their children.