The holidays give us an opportunity to spend time with people of all ages: Millennials starting their families; GenXers building careers. Then there’s the Generation Jones, Gen Zs and others. We found an interesting story that describes each. You can read more at hellalife.com.
Baby Boomers: born 1946 to 1964
The Baby Boomer generation — the only generation officially recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau — began immediately after World War II (with people born in 1946) and wrapped up in 1964. These days, Boomers are in their late 50s to early 70s, many about to be or already retired.
Generation Jones: born 1955 to 1965
Younger boomers — titled Generation Jones to reflect “keeping up with the Joneses” culture, the slang term “jones” for desire, the confusion of Bob Dylan’s Mr. Jones, and just the generic anonymity of the Jones name — were born between 1955 and 1965.
Generation X: born 1965 to 1980
With a decline in birth rates in 1965 came Generation X, which demographers generally say lasted until 1980. Gen X is also called the “baby bust” because of its smaller post-boom numbers.
Xennials: born 1977 to 1983
Squeezed in next was a “micro-generation” of Xennials born in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Also known as the “Oregon Trail generation,” Xennials had an analog childhood and a digital adulthood.
Millennials: born 1981 to 1996
According to Pew Research Center, Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996. The older segment of the demographic are well into adulthood. Millennials are also called Generation Y for following Generation X, and as the children of Boomers, they’re sometimes called “echo boomers.”
Generation Z: born 1997 or after
Then came Gen Z, or iGen, which roughly starts with people born in 1997.
Generation Alpha: born 2010 or after
What comes after Gen Z? Some researchers are using the name Generation Alpha for kids born since 2010. We’ll see if that catches on in the coming years.
Many observers debate the precise dates and definitions or decry stereotypes attached to each generation. Nevertheless, their shared values and experiences shape education techniques, marketing strategies, purchasing decisions, work styles, voting preferences, social service needs, entertainment choices, musical tastes and more.
