Quick facts if you are 71
| Born in | 1954 or 1955 |
| Generation | The Baby Boomers |
| Chinese zodiac | Horse (1954) or Goat (1955) |
| Days old (approximately) | 25,932 to 26,297 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 71 = 1955. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1954. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1955 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1970 or 1971): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1972 or 1973): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (1975 or 1976): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (1979 or 1980): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (1980 or 1981): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (1989 or 1990): Old enough to be President of the United States
- 62 (2016 or 2017): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2019 or 2020): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1955, your Social Security full retirement age is 66 and 2 months; for 1954 it is 66.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 71, what year will I turn 81?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 71?
In 1973 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1972.