What is the exact definition of a baby-boomer?

[sunfunandmum]

I was very alarmed to read in the paper today anyone with O levels was a baby-boomer. This cannot be. Surely not. I took my O levels in 1985 aged 16. For years I was happily identifying with Generation X. Apologies for any grammar mistakes, I am just hoping someone in Pedants Corner may know about this sort of thing!

I think 1945 - 1955. i.e. the decade after the war when supposedly millions of soldiers were coming home and vigorously starting families.

I have seen it used more widely though to mean practically anything between the 20s to the 70s, depending on the point the speaker or writer is trying to make... But strictly speaking, it is those in their 50s and 60s.

I mean 1920s and 1970s, not age 20-70.

That makes sense. Thank you!