Feb 19, 2024 - Politics & Policy

"Silver tsunami": Record number of Americans set to turn 65 this year

Axios

1970s-era birthday party. Photo: H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile/Getty Images

A record number of Americans will turn 65 this year — about 4.1 million — the Wall Street Journal reports from an analysis by Jason Fichtner, chief economist at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Why it matters: The surge of 65-year-old Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) will continue through 2027. AARP calls it a "silver tsunami."

Reality check: "Today's 65-year-olds are redefining a milestone long associated with retirement parties and the end of productive years," the Journal notes.

"They are wealthier and by many measures, healthier, and expected to live another 20 years."
"I'm not tired, I'm healthy and I enjoy my job," Kathy Wheeler, who turns 65 this year, told AARP.

Go deeper:

More Americans over 65 are working — here's why

Where America stands: New power centers, aging population

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"Silver tsunami": Record number of Americans set to turn 65 this year

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