Examine the decades 1970, 1990, and 2010 in this population pyramid for the United States. Consider any significant shapes. In particular, note the large bulge that travels upward through the pyramid over time. This bulge represents the baby boomer generation, a generation of Americans who were born in the United States immediately following World War 11 (1939-1944). How do you think this generation has impacted the U. S. economy through the years? How might it impact the U. S. economy and politics in the future?

As the huge population of baby boomers went through life, their needs shaped many aspects of U.S. society. According to the U.S. population pyramid in 1970, the baby boomer generation was primarily under the age of 20. Boomers would have been too young to join the workforce. However, their large population still helped grow the economy because of the number of products they and their families consumed. By 1990, the baby boomer generation was between the ages of 20 and 45. During that decade, this group made up a large percentage of the U.S. workforce. In 2010, the baby boomer generation was between the ages of 40 and 65, and some probably began to retire.

Today and into the future, the baby boomers continue to affect the nation in many ways. As they age and start to retire, many baby boomers will vote on issues that relate to their generation. In particular, programs such as Social Security or Medicare will continue to be important.