Quick facts if you are 78
| Born in | 1947 or 1948 |
| Generation | The Baby Boomers |
| Chinese zodiac | Pig (1947) or Rat (1948) |
| Days old (approximately) | 28,489 to 28,853 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 78 = 1948. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1947. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1948 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1963 or 1964): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1965 or 1966): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (1968 or 1969): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (1972 or 1973): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (1973 or 1974): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (1982 or 1983): Old enough to be President of the United States
- 62 (2009 or 2010): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2012 or 2013): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1948, your Social Security full retirement age is 66; for 1947 it is 66.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 78, what year will I turn 88?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 78?
In 1966 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1965.