QUIZ: Boomer$! Test Your Smarts

QUIZ: Boomer$! Test Your Smarts

The Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is the most economically powerful population in U.S. history. Boomers came to symbolize change. They inspired change. They forced change. They embraced change. Politically, socially, culturally.

Now, as the first wave hits retirement age (several million will turn 65 in 2011), Boomers themselves are prompting change, yet again. Their priorities are different, their nest eggs diminished and their future uncertain. But one thing is certain: Boomers will remain a significant force, as they make financial decisions about protecting their wealth and preserving their health.

How much do you know about Baby Boomers? Take the following quiz and test your knowledge.

Posted 1 Feb 2009

How many people are part of the Baby Boomer generation, born between January 1, 1946 and December 31, 1964?

1. 55 Million
2. 63 Million
3. 78 Million
4. 89 Million

78 million Boomers were born over an 18-year period. 1946 was the year of the fewest births, 3.4 million. Can you guess which year had the most? Be patient, that's question #3.

Baby Boomers born after 1954 are known as:

1. Shadow Boomers
2. Generation Jones
3. Trailing Edge Boomers
4. All of the Above

Demographers use a variety of terms in reference to Boomers. When the term "Shadow Boomer" was coined, it meant someone between 55-64 years of age, in the shadow of their 50th or 60th birthday. Early Boomers born between 1946 and 1954 were often called "Leading Edge" Boomers, so "Trailing Edge" was the logical description for those born later. And, a television director, Jonathan Pontell, came up with the phrase "Generation Jones", which can be interpreted several ways: A large anonymous generation; a generation with a competitive "keeping-up-with-the-Joneses" mentality; a generating known for its yearning or craving (sometime called "jonesing").

Which was the peak year for Baby Boomer births, with 4.3 million babies born?

1. 1948
2. 1952
3. 1957
4. 1961

The most babies of the Boomer years were born in 1957. By 1964, births dropped to 4 million and a decade after the peak, in 1967, there were 3.5 million babies born in the U.S.

Which well-known American company was founded in 1964, the final year of the Baby Boomer generation?

1. Procter and Gamble
2. Nike
3. Exxon
4. AT&T

Nike was founded on January 25, 1964 by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman. It was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports. The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Knight was a University of Oregon track star and Bowerman was his coach. Knight remains with Nike to this day; he is now Chairman of the firm.

Women make up what percentage of the Baby Boomer generation?

1. 39 percent
2. 44 percent
3. 51 percent
4. 55 percent

50.8 percent of the Boomer population are women. 11.6 percent are Black. 10.3 percent are Hispanic. 4.3 percent are Asian.

Which iconic American car was introduced exactly halfway through the Baby Boomer years in 1955?

1. Chevrolet Corvette
2. Cadillac Eldorado
3. Dodge Charger
4. Ford Thunderbird
5. Lincoln Continental

The Ford Thunderbird first went on sale in October 1954 as a 1955 model. Although it was launched in response to the Corvette sports car, which debuted in 1953, the Thunderbird created a new automotive segment known as the personal luxury car. The T-Bird went out of production in 1977, but Ford revived the model between 2002-2005. More than 4.4 million were sold between 1955-2005.

Which state has the largest Baby Boomer population?

1. New York
2. California
3. Illinois
4. Texas

Census Bureau figures show California has the most Boomers of any state, based on 2006 figures (the most recent available). California is followed by Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.

What was the most popular name for boys born during the Baby Boomer years?

1. James
2. Robert
3. William
4. Michael

Information compiled by the Social Security Administration reveals James was the most popular Boomer name for boys. By 2008, James had fallen to #17, with Jacob taking the top spot.

What was the most popular name for girls born during the Baby Boomer years?

1. Karen
2. Jackie
3. Elizabeth
4. Mary

The Social Security Adminstration says Mary was the most popular Boomer name for girls. In 2008, Emma was the favorite name, while Mary didn't even make the top 20.

Which CEO is not a member of the Baby Boomer generation?

1. Jim Skinner, McDonald's
2. Ken Chenault, American Express
3. Carol Bartz, Yahoo
4. Mike Duke, Walmart

McDonald's boss Jim Skinner is too old to be Boomer; he was born in 1944. Chenault was born in 1951, Bartz in 1948, Duke in 1949.

Baby Boomers currently make up what percentage of the U.S. population?

1. 18 percent
2. 21 percent
3. 26 percent
4. 32 percent

The Census Bureau says Boomers now make up 26 percent of the U.S. population. As they get older, the population age 65 and over is expected to double in the next 20 years. By 2030, almost one-in-five Americans, 72 million people, will be 65 or older.

A recent study by Microsoft and AARP examined the use of technology by Baby Boomers. The research discovered the fastest-growing age group on Facebook is:

1. 15-24
2. 18-32
3. 25-39
4. 45-58
5. 55-64

Yes, Boomers are embracing technology, including social networking. The fastest-growing group of Facebook users is between 55-64, according to an AARP-Microsoft study in October 2009. And, research published in January 2010 by Continuum Crew LLC revealed Boomers would rather give up their cellphones than their Internet access.

Your score:

• Baby Boomer expert
  You're probably a Boomer. Get ready for Social Security, Medicare and all the aches and pains that accompany them!
  
  Watch "Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!", Thursday, March 4 at 9pm ET on CNBC. The program will also air Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET; Sunday, March 7th at 9pm ET; and Monday, March 8th at 8pm ET.
• Generation X
  You're smack-dab in the middle. You've still got a few good years left, but you're going to need that Geritol and Polident eventually.
  
  Watch "Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!", Thursday, March 4 at 9pm ET on CNBC. The program will also air Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET; Sunday, March 7th at 9pm ET; and Monday, March 8th at 8pm ET.
• Millenial
  You've got a long way to go. Your parents or grandparents might be Boomers, but you're certainly not a member of this special group.
  
  Watch "Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!", Thursday, March 4 at 9pm ET on CNBC. The program will also air Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET; Sunday, March 7th at 9pm ET; and Monday, March 8th at 8pm ET.