Due to post-World War II prosperity, there was a boom in American births between 1946 and 1964, now referred to as the “baby boom.” During this time, approximately 77 million babies were born in the United States, a very large number compared to that of other time spans. As the baby-boomers approach retirement age, health and welfare services for the elderly will become high priority as the country prepares for a higher proportion of older people in its population than ever before.