Quick facts if you are 55
| Born in | 1970 or 1971 |
| Generation | Generation X |
| Chinese zodiac | Dog (1970) or Pig (1971) |
| Days old (approximately) | 20,088 to 20,453 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 55 = 1971. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1970. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1971 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1986 or 1987): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1988 or 1989): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (1991 or 1992): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (1995 or 1996): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (1996 or 1997): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (2005 or 2006): Old enough to be President of the United States
Milestones still ahead:
- 62 (2032 or 2033): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2035 or 2036): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1971, your Social Security full retirement age is 67; for 1970 it is 67.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 55, what year will I turn 65?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 55?
In 1989 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1988.