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How old is someone born in 1942?

83 or 84 years old

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026

84 if their birthday has already happened this year, 83 if not; they turn 85 in 2027.

Want the exact age? Enter the full date of birth in the age calculator.

Born in 1942

Generation
Silent Generation
about 1928–1945
Days alive
30,589–30,953
depending on the birthday
Jan 1, 1942
Thursday
Leap year?
No
365 days

More about 1942

Chinese zodiac
Water Horsefrom Chinese New Year (late January or February); born before it, Snake
1942 began and ended
Thursday to Thursday53 ISO weeks
February 29ths lived
21leap days since 1942
Turned 18
1960and 21 in 1963

Milestone birthdays

Milestone birthdays for people born in 1942
AgeYearWhen
18 years196066 years ago
21 years196363 years ago
30 years197254 years ago
40 years198244 years ago
50 years199234 years ago
60 years200224 years ago
65 years200719 years ago
70 years201214 years ago
80 years20224 years ago
90 years2032In 6 years
100 years2042In 16 years

Generation names follow Pew Research Center for the Silent Generation to Gen Z and common usage for others; the boundaries are approximate.

Born in the 1940s

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Frequently asked questions

How old is someone born in 1942?

83 or 84 in 2026: 84 once their birthday has passed this year, 83 before it.

What generation is someone born in 1942?

Silent Generation, usually dated 1928–1945. Generation boundaries are approximate and vary between researchers.

What is the Chinese zodiac sign for 1942?

1942 is the year of the Water Horse, starting at Chinese New Year in late January or February. Anyone born in 1942 before that date belongs to the year of the Snake. The twelve animals repeat in a fixed cycle, and the element changes every two years.

Was 1942 a leap year?

No — 1942 had 365 days. The nearest leap years were 1940 and 1944.