Turning 50+

Now that people like me have turned 50, we are taking a closer look at the term "Baby Boomers:

Middle Boomers: A Separate Demographic Group

For decades, American Baby Boomers have been characterized as a bloc of people who think and act as one monolithic generation. However, a recent study from the MetLife Mature Market Institute shows that Young, Middle and Older Boomers grew up during disparate "eras" and are now at different stages in their lives. They should, perhaps, be treated as separate demographic groups.

In both a series of Demographic Profiles and a new study, The MetLife Study of Boomers in the Middle, facts are emerging about how distinct the segments are.

"The Middle Boomers, now 52 to 58 years old and 29 million strong, are very much a generation of the 60s," said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "They identify with the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassination and the women’s movement, identifying the war as the event that most influenced them in their youth. They are distinguished most by a change in culture through political and social activism. But, like the proverbial often-neglected 'middle child,' they have rarely been noted as having an identity of their own, although they are different in many ways from the Oldest and Youngest Boomers."

From a business and financial standpoint, the Middle Boomers are looking forward to retirement (setting their sights on age 65), have a high net worth ($100,000 or more, excluding their home value) and are currently in their peak earning years. On the other hand, more than half (54%) say they are behind on their retirement savings goals and that many who have delayed retirement have been affected by the economy. Most will rely on Social Security for their retirement income (42% of it, on average).

A majority own their own homes, which are worth an average of $273,000, and have an average of six financial products. One-third of the Middle Boomers expect to receive an inheritance from their parents in the amount of $181,000, slightly less than the Oldest Boomers and behind the Youngest Boomers, who expect $208,000.

Other specifics for the Middle Boomers:

50 is Okay
Turning age 50 was no big deal for the majority of Middle Boomers and they will not consider themselves "old" until age 75. That's older than the age selected by the Youngest Boomers (age 71), but younger than age 78, selected by the Oldest Boomers.

Maturity Means a Shift in Priorities
Middle Boomers have experienced a shift in their life priorities in the past five to ten years. They say they are concentrating more on family, financial security, personal well-being and wellness.

Marriage
Seventy-one percent of this group are married or in domestic partnerships. Husbands are generally two years older than wives. Twelve percent are divorced or separated, 4% are widowed and 13% have never been married. Those who are divorced have the most concerns about retirement and income.

Still Healthy, but Concerned About Health Care
Like the Oldest and Youngest Boomers, the middle group report they are healthy with more than half (56%) saying their health is very good to excellent. Looking ahead, though, 26% of those who are healthy say their biggest retirement concern will be affordable health care.

Truly the Sandwich Generation
Two-thirds of the Middle Boomers report having at least one parent still living, and half still have children living at home. About half also have grandchildren. Seventy-two percent have been providing financial assistance and support to their children and grandchildren, averaging about $38,000 over the past five years. They are not yet empty-nesters like the Older Boomers. Fourteen percent are providing care to older parents.

(Source: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 03/02/10)

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