ילידי 1921

Generation: Greatest Generation

People born in 1921 belong to the Greatest Generation (1901–1927).

Grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II. Defined by sacrifice, duty, and resilience. Tom Brokaw popularized the name in his 1998 book, honoring men and women who endured economic hardship and global conflict, then came home to build the postwar world.

Read more about generational differences in our complete generation guide.

The world in 1921

Here is what was happening in the world around the time people born in 1921 arrived:

• Women gained the right to vote in the United States (19th Amendment)
• The League of Nations held its first meeting in Geneva
• The first commercial radio broadcast aired in Pittsburgh

Life expectancy for people born in 1921

According to global statistics, a person born in 1921 could expect to live approximately 34.1 years at the time of their birth. Someone born in 1921 who is still alive today is 104–105 years old, which means they have lived roughly 308% of their originally expected lifespan.

Note that these figures represent global averages at birth. Actual life expectancy varies significantly by country, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Modern medicine and improved living conditions mean that people who survived childhood often outlive their birth-year estimates. Learn more in our life expectancy trends article.