Simple Method for Calculating Age
To get a quick estimate of how old a person born in 1964 is, you only need the current year. The formula is simply the current year minus the birth year. For 2025, this calculation is: 2025 - 1964 = 61.
This method tells you their age if their birthday has already passed in the current year. However, if their birthday is later in the year, this number is one year off.
The Importance of the Birthday
Consider these two scenarios for individuals born in 1964:
- Scenario 1: A person born on May 15, 1964. As of September 28, 2025, their birthday has already occurred in 2025, making them 61 years old.
- Scenario 2: A person born on November 15, 1964. As of September 28, 2025, their birthday has not yet arrived. They turned 60 in November 2024 and will turn 61 in November 2025, meaning they are still 60 years old today.
Generational Context
Individuals born in 1964 are part of a demographic transition. According to Beresford Research, the year 1964 is on the cusp of two generations: the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation (specifically 'Boomers II', also called 'Generation Jones') and the beginning of Generation X.
- Baby Boomers II (Generation Jones): Defined as those born between 1955 and 1964, these individuals were heavily impacted by the cultural and political shifts of the 1970s.
- Generation X: Typically defined as those born between 1965 and 1980.
This means a person born in 1964 is considered a late-period Baby Boomer, or a member of Generation Jones.
Tools and Resources for Exact Age Calculation
For a more precise calculation, especially when you need to know the number of months, weeks, or days, an age calculator is an ideal tool.
How to use an age calculator:
- Input your date of birth: Enter the specific date, month, and year (e.g., May 15, 1964).
- Input the current or desired date: This can be today's date or any other specific date you want to use for the calculation.
- Review the result: The calculator will provide the age in years, months, and days, giving you a comprehensive breakdown.
Age Calculation Methods: Simple vs. Precise
| Feature | Simple Calculation Method | Precise Calculation Method (Date-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Input Required | Current year and birth year. | Full date of birth (Day, Month, Year) and current/target date. |
| Accuracy | Good for estimating age but can be off by one year depending on the birthday. | Pinpoint accuracy. Takes the day and month into account, providing the exact age down to the day. |
| Complexity | Extremely simple subtraction. | Requires an age calculator or manual date comparison. |
| Best For | Quickly understanding a person's general age bracket. | Legal documents, medical records, and official purposes where accuracy is paramount. |
| Example | 2025 - 1964 = 61 | A calculator shows 61 years, 4 months, and 13 days for a May 15, 1964 birthday on September 28, 2025. |
Conclusion
To determine how old a person born in 1964 is today, you must consider their specific birthday. As of September 28, 2025, they are either 60 or 61. If their birthday has occurred in 2025, they are 61. If their birthday is yet to come, they are 60. For maximum accuracy, using a date-based age calculator is the most reliable method. This approach is not only useful for personal curiosity but is also vital for any situation requiring an exact age, such as legal or administrative matters.
It's also interesting to note that people born in this year sit on the boundary between two significant generations, making their age representative of a pivotal moment in history.
Calculation Example For a person born in 1964, a step-by-step example using today's date (September 28, 2025) might look like this:
- Take the current year: 2025
- Subtract the birth year: 1964
- The result is 61.
- Check the birth month and day against the current date. If the birthday has passed, the answer is 61. If it has not, the answer is 60.
This simple process ensures you get the right answer every time, with just two key pieces of information: the birth year and the birth month relative to the current month.
