Born: 1928 - 1945
Ages 80-97 in 2025
The Silent Generation includes anyone born between 1928 and 1945. This makes the Silent Generation currently between 80 and 97 years old in 2025. They are called silent because they were raised to respect authority, work hard without complaint, and avoid making waves. This generation grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, shaping their values of sacrifice, duty, and perseverance.
Having grown up during the Great Depression, the Silent Generation learned the value of hard work and frugality early. Many experienced genuine poverty and rationing during World War II. This taught them to waste nothing, save everything, and work tirelessly to provide security for their families. They believe in earning what you have and are uncomfortable with debt.
The Silent Generation was raised to respect elders, follow rules, and trust institutions. They value hierarchy, proper etiquette, and doing things by the book. This generation rarely questioned authority figures like teachers, doctors, or government officials. They believe in working within the system rather than challenging it.
Having witnessed economic collapse during the Depression, the Silent Generation is extremely financially cautious. They save aggressively, avoid unnecessary risks, and prefer tangible assets like homes and savings accounts. Credit cards and loans make them uncomfortable. Many kept cash hidden at home as insurance against another economic disaster.
The Silent Generation holds traditional views on family, work, and society. They believe in clear gender roles, formal manners, and community standards. Marriage was expected and typically lifelong. Church attendance was common, and reputation in the community mattered greatly. They value stability, tradition, and maintaining social order.
The term Silent Generation was coined in a 1951 Time magazine article describing them as grave, cautious, and unimaginative. Sandwiched between the Greatest Generation who fought WWII and the vocal Baby Boomers, they were seen as conformist and risk-averse. However, this characterization overlooks their significant contributions to civil rights, arts, and business leadership.
Despite their name, the Silent Generation produced many influential leaders and changemakers:
The Silent Generation witnessed more technological change than any generation before them. They were born when cars were still uncommon, grew up with radio, witnessed the birth of television, adapted to computers in the workplace, and now use smartphones and the internet. While many embraced technology for practical purposes, they generally prefer traditional methods of communication like phone calls and letters.
The Silent Generation pioneered the concept of retirement as we know it. They benefited from strong pension systems and Social Security, making comfortable retirement possible for the middle class. Many worked for one employer their entire career, earning gold watches at retirement. They valued job security over high salaries and stayed loyal to companies that provided stable employment.
No, they are different. The Greatest Generation fought in World War II and were born roughly 1901-1927. The Silent Generation came after, born 1928-1945, and were too young to fight in WWII but served in the Korean War.
Baby Boomers come after the Silent Generation. Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.
If you were born in 1940, you are part of the Silent Generation, right in the middle of the cohort.
The Silent Generation grew up during the Great Depression when many families struggled to afford basic necessities. This childhood experience of scarcity created lifelong habits of saving, avoiding waste, and preparing for hard times.