What is TLA50?

Transforming Life After 50 (TLA50): Public Libraries and Baby Boomers is a statewide initiative launched by the California State Library in 2007. It has also now become a national model for inspiring library innovation in serving and engaging the growing population of midlife adults, ages 50+.

» More about TLA50

woman surfing, active, 18

photo of woman surfing

Retirement once conjured images of rocking chairs and playing chess. Today’s retirees are much more active — hiking, running and exercising.

woman patient, chronic conditions, 2

photo of woman patient

By 2030, more than 6 out of 10 Boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition.

crowd, over 60, 7

photo of crowd

Today 11% of the world’s population is over 60. By 2050, 22% will be.

women rafting, social network, 25

photo of two women rafting

Research confirms that an active social network of family and friends promotes healthy aging and increases mental health.

woman smiling, wisdom, 9

photo of woman smiling

Our miraculous brain continues to develop, learn, relate, and be shaped for health across the entire lifespan.

woman and man at computer, technology, 20

photo of woman and man at computer

A common misconception is that Boomers are averse to technology. Research shows that the majority are actually adept at using new technologies.

woman food bank, public service, 11

Mid-life adults no longer see retirement as an 'endless vacation' but as an active, engaged phase of life that includes work and community service.

group of couples, mistakenly stereotyped, 16

photo of a group of couples

Boomers are a large and diverse group of people from all walks of life — not a single stereotype as commmonly perceived.

grandparents, raising grandkids, 19

photo of grandparents and grandchild

Recent studies show a rising number of Boomers, across all socioeconomic groups, are raising their grandkids.

Boomers and Beyond: Who are the Boomers?

Approximately 78 million babies were born in the U.S. during the boom years of 1946 to 1964.  In general, these “Baby Boomers” are the largest, healthiest, most affluent, and best educated cohort of Americans ever to move through and beyond their fifties.  » Read more

Why does increased longevity matter?

Since the late 1990s, Civic Ventures (www.civicventures.org), a national think tank and incubator of innovation on this “new life stage,” and other national organizations including AARP (www.aarp.org) and the National Council on Aging (www.respectability.org), have been tracking trends in the attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of the Baby Boomer cohort as well as the readiness of the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to respond. » Read more