Quick facts if you are 87
| Born in | 1938 or 1939 |
| Generation | The Silent Generation |
| Chinese zodiac | Tiger (1938) or Rabbit (1939) |
| Days old (approximately) | 31,776 to 32,141 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 87 = 1939. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1938. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1939 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1954 or 1955): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1956 or 1957): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (1959 or 1960): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (1963 or 1964): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (1964 or 1965): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (1973 or 1974): Old enough to be President of the United States
- 62 (2000 or 2001): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2003 or 2004): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1939, your Social Security full retirement age is 65 and 4 months; for 1938 it is 65 and 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 87, what year will I turn 97?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 87?
In 1957 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1956.