Final answer:
The term 'baby boomers' refers to individuals born between 1946 and 1964, a period of increased birth rates following World War II. This generation is significant due to their size, approximately 74 to 80 million, and their impact on cultural and economic trends as they age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term baby boomers refers to individuals born between 1946 and 1964. This generation marks a significant increase in births post-World War II due to various factors such as the return of military personnel, the growing desire amongst young Americans to start families, and the economic prosperity that allowed established couples to expand their families. An estimated 74 to 80 million Americans were born in this period. As baby boomers have aged, they've reshaped societal views on what it means to be young, middle-aged, and old, often rejecting the traditional notions that previous generations held. With many now reaching retirement age, there is an increased demand for healthcare services to address common age-related conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer's.