AARP Home » Personal Growth » Transitions »Boomers Turning 65

— Sunset Boulevard/Corbis; © NASA/Roger Ressmeyer/CORBIS; Bettmann/CORBIS; Bob D'Amico/ABC/Getty Images; Image Source/Getty Images; John Lund/Blend Images/Corbis

In 2011, the first of the baby boom generation will reach what used to be known as retirement age. And for the next 18 years, boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 a day. As this unique cohort grows older, it will likely transform the institutions of aging — just as it has done to other aspects of American life. Will boomers redefine this life stage, or will it redefine them? We’ll explore that question in a four-week-long series commemorating this generational milestone.

in the
Spotlight

Finally, Free to Be Me

Novelist Barbara Neely on becoming the person you are after 65. Read

The Secret to Happiness

Writer and physician Sherwin Nuland shares what he has learned about finding fulfillment. Read

Do You Recognize These Boomer Icons?

And can you guess which two will turn 65 this year? Play our interactive game. Do

boomer
voices

A Warning to Baby Boomers

Author and activist Barbara Ehrenreich tells those turning 65, “Don’t give up your day job.” If you’re lucky enough to have one, that is. Read

Getting Older, Getting Better

Newspaper columnist Al Martinez reflects on how his 65th birthday sparked a whole new beginning. Read

two men from different generations at 65 years old

Not Your Father's Retirement

Baby boomers are transforming what it means to grow old — or at least they’re trying to. Humorist Joe Queenan sums up how different it is from our parents’ generation. Read

Finding the Good Stuff

Don’t worry: It’s not all downhill after turning 65. Writer and poet Judith Viorst offers sound advice on making the most of the years ahead. Read

News and
Views

Many Boomers Report No Savings at All

With fewer pensions and more debt, boomers face retirement challengers their parents didn't. Watch

When I’m 65

Neil Howe tells Lark McCarthy about his theory characterizing the current baby boom generation as “change agents," similar to generations in the past born after great wars. Watch

"Your Priorites Are My Agenda”

A Democratic Senator vows to continue to fight for health-care and retirement security for older Americans. Read

Perceptions of Boomers

On the cusp of turning 65, how do baby boomers perceive themselves? How do other generations view them? See the results of our exclusive poll and watch videos of boomers' reactions to the findings. Watch

Talkin' 'bout Their Generation

Joy Behar, Henry Winkler, Tony Danza and other notable boomers discuss staying youthful and changing the meaning of retirement. Watch

Avoiding Generational Conflict

Older and younger Americans can battle each other for resources, but AARP Bulletin editor Jim Toedtman argues that they’re better off working together toward their common goals. Read