How old am I if I was born in 1942?
If you were born in 1942, you are 83 or 84 years old in 2026.
You belong to Silent Generation and the Chinese zodiac year of the Horse. Your Social Security full retirement age is 65 and 10 months.
Born in 1942 at a glance
| Birth year | 1942 |
| Age in 2026 | 83 or 84 |
| Generation | Silent Generation (1928 to 1945) |
| Chinese zodiac | Horse (check the Lunar New Year for January and February births) |
| Year in Roman numerals | MCMXLII |
| Eligible for early Social Security | 2004 (age 62) |
| Full retirement age | 65 and 10 months (in 2007) |
| Eligible for Medicare | 2007 (age 65) |
| RMDs from retirement accounts begin at | Already required (began at 70½, 72 or 73 depending on birth year) |
The exact age depends on your birthday. Enter your birthday below to get your exact age in years, months and days.
Social Security
People born in 1942 can claim reduced Social Security retirement benefits starting at 62 and receive their full benefit at 65 and 10 months. Waiting until 70 increases the monthly benefit further.
All generations · Full retirement age by birth year · 1941 · 1943