person's age,, formaula question

[jmd0252]

OK I found the formula to calculate a person's age,, using a field that is defined as a date. But I have a field that is defined as a string,, how can I conver it to a date?? my sting has 20080101,, for it's value,, for example this is the formula I am trying to figure out,,

DateValue ({PM_EMPMASTER.BIRTH_DATE});
DateVar Birth:= {PM_EMPMASTER.BIRTH_DATE};
DateVar Ann := CurrentDate;
if (Month(Ann) * 100) + Day (Ann) >=(Month(Birth) *100) + Day (Birth)
then Year (Ann) - Year(Birth)
else Year (Ann) - Year(Birth) -1

but line 2 kicks with the message it has to be a date,, so what have I done wrong????

bear with me boys and girls,, I am just learning crystal
thanks,, for any and all help

 

[lbass]

stringvar x := {PM_EMPMASTER.BIRTH_DATE};
datevar birth := date(val(left(x,4)),val(mid(x,5,2)),val(right(x,2)));
DateVar Ann := CurrentDate;
if (Month(Ann) * 100) + Day (Ann) >=(Month(Birth) *100) + Day (Birth)
then Year (Ann) - Year(Birth)
else Year (Ann) - Year(Birth) -1

Looks like Ken Hamady's formula--to acknowledge the source.

-LB

 

[jmd0252]

you are correct it is Ken's formula,, I did a search before I ask the question,, I will give this a try,, thanks

 

[jmd0252]

works great guys thanks a bunch