Who are the Baby boomers ?

While the diversity of baby boomers grows increasingly apparent as they age -- given an 18-year generational span and they still stand together in some ways, with clearly defined preferences and opinions that distinguish them from other Americans. As detailed in "American Demographics" magazine, these generalized characteristics include:

- They are more likely than either younger or older adults to have dependent children at home.

- Despite delayed marriage and high divorce rates, nearly two-thirds are currently married.

- Baby boomers are already in their peak labor force participation years, and in some cases in their top earning years (which are from ages 45 to 54) as well.

- They are less likely than younger adults to change their marital status through divorce or remarriage, and are less likely to change jobs or move.

- More than six million baby boomers are already grandparents, and that number will probably quadruple during the next 10 years.

- Baby boomers, born after World War II, tend to be much more individualistic.

- They are less happy than other adults with the status quo, and are marked by their skepticism and rejection of authority.

- They are notorious for their willingness to buy on credit and forego saving money. - Baby boomers have less leisure time than other adults, and claim to feel stressed more often.

- When listing their priorities, baby boomers are more likely than others to focus on education.

- They also are more likely than older or younger adults to own a computer.