Growing up as a baby boomer in the UK
Posted inPersonal Stories

Baby Boomer Life Story: My Journey Through the Decades

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this space dedicated to the baby boomer life story—mine, and hopefully parts of yours too.

Born Into a World of Change

I was born in 1951, right in the middle of a post-war boom that reshaped the world. It was a time of rebuilding, rapid progress, and endless possibility. As a child of the 1950s, I grew up in an era of optimism, invention, and shifting values—the dawn of rock ‘n’ roll, the rise of television, and the start of space exploration.

Fast forward several decades, and we’ve witnessed some of the most significant events in modern history. From black-and-white TV to the digital age, my life—as many of yours—has been a front-row seat to:

A Life Full of Roles and Lessons

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: son, husband, parent, grandparent, student, worker, and friend. I’ve experienced the highs of love and laughter, and the lows that life throws at us too. Through it all, I’ve learned that we’re always evolving—and there’s always something new to explore, no matter our age.

Now, in this chapter of semi-retirement and active aging, I’ve found myself reflecting on the past, living more mindfully in the present, and looking ahead with curiosity.

Why I Started This Blog to Tell My Baby Boomer Life Story

I created this blog to help me write my baby boomer life story, piece by piece, guided by the events and changes that shaped each year. Not just a memoir, but something that encapsulated the times I have lived through—a collection of stories, reflections, and memories.

But as I began to write, I realised something important: sometimes we forget the context. What was happening in the world around us when we were going through those moments? What music was playing? What major events were shaping the culture? That’s when I had the idea to create a “What Happened In…” series—a year-by-year look at key events, inventions, and cultural shifts. Not just for readers, but as an aide-memoire for my own storytelling.

So this blog became two things:

  • A personal space to share my life experiences, and

  • A historical resource to help bring those memories to life.

What You’ll Find Here

Life of a Baby Boomer is a space to:

  • Share baby boomer life stories and reflections

  • Revisit the nostalgic moments that shaped us

  • Offer practical advice for navigating retirement and aging

  • Explore music, culture, and the way the world has changed

  • Use history as a springboard for memory, storytelling, and connection

Whether you’re here for a dose of nostalgia, guidance on staying active and fulfilled after 50, or simply to connect with someone who gets it—you’re in the right place.

What’s Ahead in Baby Boomer Life Story

I’ll be posting about:

  • The major events of each year from 1945 onwards

  • What it was like to grow up as a Boomer

  • Reflections on family, health, hobbies, and daily life

  • Stories from my own life—both funny and serious

  • Tips for staying engaged, healthy, and hopeful in this stage of life

And bit by bit, I’ll be piecing together my baby boomer life story, guided by the changing world around me.

Let’s Share This Journey

I believe that our best years aren’t behind us—they’re right here in front of us. We’ve got so much wisdom to share, stories to tell, and still plenty to learn.

So please—feel free to leave a comment, share your own memories, or just say hello. I’d love to hear what life has taught you and how you’re navigating your own journey.

If you haven’t yet, please read my Welcome post , or check out What Happened in 1945 to see where the journey begins.

Thanks for stopping by—and I hope you’ll stick around.

Warm regards,
John