Final answer:
Baby boomers are people born between 1946 and 1964, a period of increased birthrates following World War II. They have greatly influenced economic, social, and cultural trends, and now as they age, they are redefining societal expectations of later life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Baby boomers are individuals who were born shortly after World War II. More specifically, baby boomers refers to people born between 1946 and 1964, during the period when the United States experienced a significant increase in birthrates. This was a result of the return of military personnel, the general desire among young Americans to start families, and the economic prosperity that made it feasible for established couples to have more children.
The boomer generation significantly impacted the economy, as they grew up during the 1960s and early 1970s, entering the workforce in large numbers and thereby changing the demographic makeup of the labor market. As this population now enters retirement, they continue to redefine societal views on aging, opting for active and healthy lifestyles to maintain their quality of life in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Thus, option 4) 'people born shortly after World War II' is the correct answer to the question 'Baby boomers are ________'.