Defining Moments

One way to look at the 50+ population is by age cohort-- a group of people born around the same time who have experienced the same "defining moments"--key events experienced during late adolescence/early adulthood that have a lasting social consequence. These can include wars, assassinations, economic upheavals or major technological changes [Meridith, 2002].

Defining moments influence an age cohort's values and attitudes about life and family, work/ retirement and community involvement. But keep in mind that other demographic factors also influence an individual’s experiences within a specific cohort.

Let’s take a look at three groups : the GI/Greatest Generation, the Silent/Post War Generation, and the Boomers.