In 2025, the U.S. is entering an unprecedented demographic shift as more Americans turn 65 than any other year in the country’s history. More than 4 million Americans are expected to hit retirement age this year and every year through 2027, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
“It’s literally a tipping point,” generational expert Maddy Dychtwald said in a phone interview about the shift some are calling a silver tsunami. “It’s going to impact the workforce for sure, and it’s going to reshape everything.”
She said she doesn’t foresee a mass exodus from the workforce or a retirement crisis, but a redefinition of work and retirement and an opportunity for reinvention as members of this massive group enter their 65th year of life.
“I think it’s going to be interesting and complicated,” speaker, author and generational expert Lynne Lancaster said in a phone interview. “A large percentage of baby boomers have not saved enough to retire. So, even though they’re turning 65, many of them will continue working.”