As a demographic cohort, Generation Z is smaller than the baby boomers and their children, the Millennials. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Generation Z makes up about one quarter of the U.S. population, as of 2015.
According to McCrindle, Gen Alpha is predicted to be the largest generation ever, amounting to more than 2 billion members once they have all been born. Sheehan, however, shared a different point of view, citing declining birth rates in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.
Across the globe, millennials and subsequent generations have postponed marriage or living together as a couple. Millennials were born at a time of declining fertility rates around the world, and continue to have fewer children than their predecessors.
The first named generation, the term "Lost Generation" is used for the young people who came of age around the time of World War I. In Europe, they are mostly known as the "Generation of 1914", for the year World War I began.
Still, while Gen X will receive the greatest short-term windfall, millennials stand to inherit more overall in the longer term, with roughly $39 trillion flowing to Gen X and $45.6 trillion flowing to the younger cohort over the next 25 years cumulatively.
Despite these trends, the average IQ of recent generations, including Gen Alpha, is still higher than that of previous generations. This reflects the cumulative impact of improved education, better nutrition, and other environmental benefits.
Following the trend, the next generation after Gen Beta is likely to be Generation Gamma, born between 2040 and 2054. As we navigate these changing generations, McCrindle emphasized the importance of understanding their needs, values and preferences to anticipate how they will shape society's future.
There is a dramatic rise in obesity when Gen Z women (9%) are compared with Millennial women (28%), amounting to a 19-percentage- point difference. 4 The greatest increase among men was from Millennial (18%) to Gen Z members (33%), where a 15-percentage-point rise is visible.
“Previous generations typically changed their style and vibe once they entered parenthood whereas many millennials will still keep in line with current trends including hair, piercings and clothing choices. This overall appearance of dress or presentation can make someone appear more youthful.”
This is often described as a blank stare that they give to some questions that are asked. Placido also says that according to TikTok users, this stare is most common during customer service interactions.
Generation X often is referred to as the forgotten generation, sandwiched between the large and culturally powerful Baby Boomer and Millennial generations. Today, Generation X commands less attention than Boomers and Millennials from both researchers and the media.
The question of who had it toughest depends on what we value most. If homeownership and traditional wealth accumulation matter most, Baby Boomers and Gen X clearly had advantages. If technological access and economic stability are priorities, Gen Y and Gen Z have benefits their predecessors couldn't imagine.
The range of birth years ascribed to the Silent Generation varies slightly according to the generational scheme employed, beginning with either 1925, 1928, or 1929 and ending with either 1942 or 1945. In the early 2020s the Silents were mostly in their 80s and 90s.
Simply put, Generation Beta is defined as those born between 2025 and 2039. Generation Beta will be born from 2025 to 2039. By 2035 they will make up 16% of the global population. They will be the children of younger Gen Ys (millennials) and older Gen Zs.
Who Is Included in Generation C? This is a psychographic group as opposed to a demographic group, so there is no Gen C age range. While other cohorts (e.g., Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z) are defined by age brackets, Gen C is defined by its members' digital-first lifestyle and mindset.
Increased screen time has made Gen Alpha more susceptible to behavioral issues and symptoms of ADHD, depression and anxiety, which inevitably manifest in classrooms, disrupting the learning environment.
That varies by generation, however: Gen Z expects to retire at age 60, Boomers at 72, Millennials at 64 and Gen X at 67. 32% of Millennials and 30% of Gen Z expect to live to 100 – higher than the 22% of Gen X and 21% of Boomers who expect to become a centenarian.
While Gen Z are self-motivated to learn, Gen Alpha prefers educational content with a side of interactivity. For this generation, gamified, AI-powered platforms are far more appealing than traditional textbooks and classrooms.
Baby Boomers rank as the wealthiest generation in history. Boomers represent just 20% of the population, but their share of U.S. household wealth peaked at 53% in 2021 before slipping to about 51% as of the end of 2024.
Millennials are more proactive and health conscious than their parents and grandparents. They're more willing to spend money on fitness, healthy food, and self-care.
