The Changing Impact of Social Security on Retirement Income in the United States

As members of the baby-boom cohort—individuals born in 1946 to 1964—approach retirement age, their economic well-being at that time is of particular concern to policymakers. Baby boomers grew up in a different era than did current retirees—one accompanied by considerable changes in marriage patterns, earnings and work patterns, retirement policy, and the economy. Although these changes will undoubtedly affect baby-boomer retirees, it is difficult to know exactly how they will influence their economic well-being.