Hey, What Do We Need To Do To Get a Little Respect?
Good morning,
You know, I'm a bit tired of the many articles insinuating that we are old ... and that despite our youthful attitudes, the fact that we are in (or approaching) our 60's automatically means that we are old and will begin to have many health challenges.
I read an article today that said the following:
The average U.S. head of household is now nearly 50 years old (49.5, to be precise). But here's the bigger story: More than 80% of the growth in the number of households in the next five years will be among those headed by people 55 and older. That's pretty scary stuff for the youth-obsessed.
Furthermore, it said:
For one thing, it fosters more risk-averse behavior. It says to consumers: "Better be more careful with your spending, because you will never be as healthy or have as much money as you've had in the past." (To read the whole story, go here: http://adage.com/article?article_id=128181)
Now, I grant you, this is a consumer-watch article, so thay look at spending trends. Well I say ... hurry up and get us now before we tighten our belts, hit the nursing homes and close our pocket books.. Ha!
How about instead, they capitalize on what we are spending money on and start to attract us with those things -- I mean really tap into our desires. We'll whip out those checkbooks to fulfill our longings ... for travel-related interests, for sports cars, for exercise-related items, for entertainment, for sexual enhancement. Go after us -- offer all of these and more at bargains and we'll become loyal followers.
I can't speak for anyone but me, although I sometimes try, but even (read that again ... EVEN) if I begin to have health concerns, I'm not about to give up that which fulfills me and brings me pleasure. I'll keep on buying sexy clothing, going to Broadway shows, buying good workout sneakers as I continue getting healthier.
Point: Don't flush us away because we're getting older; embrace us, sell to us, give us wonderful opportunities to buy what you're selling .. but do it from OUR perspective of why we want it. Cater to us. Get to know us, really know us ... on our terms. We are a very viable force. And, we're fabulous. And, don't forget, we are still parents and grandparents and we BUY for our underlings ... probably YOU.
Have a happy Monday everyone.
Thanks,
ann
You know, I'm a bit tired of the many articles insinuating that we are old ... and that despite our youthful attitudes, the fact that we are in (or approaching) our 60's automatically means that we are old and will begin to have many health challenges.
I read an article today that said the following:
The average U.S. head of household is now nearly 50 years old (49.5, to be precise). But here's the bigger story: More than 80% of the growth in the number of households in the next five years will be among those headed by people 55 and older. That's pretty scary stuff for the youth-obsessed.
Furthermore, it said:
For one thing, it fosters more risk-averse behavior. It says to consumers: "Better be more careful with your spending, because you will never be as healthy or have as much money as you've had in the past." (To read the whole story, go here: http://adage.com/article?article_id=128181)
Now, I grant you, this is a consumer-watch article, so thay look at spending trends. Well I say ... hurry up and get us now before we tighten our belts, hit the nursing homes and close our pocket books.. Ha!
How about instead, they capitalize on what we are spending money on and start to attract us with those things -- I mean really tap into our desires. We'll whip out those checkbooks to fulfill our longings ... for travel-related interests, for sports cars, for exercise-related items, for entertainment, for sexual enhancement. Go after us -- offer all of these and more at bargains and we'll become loyal followers.
I can't speak for anyone but me, although I sometimes try, but even (read that again ... EVEN) if I begin to have health concerns, I'm not about to give up that which fulfills me and brings me pleasure. I'll keep on buying sexy clothing, going to Broadway shows, buying good workout sneakers as I continue getting healthier.
Point: Don't flush us away because we're getting older; embrace us, sell to us, give us wonderful opportunities to buy what you're selling .. but do it from OUR perspective of why we want it. Cater to us. Get to know us, really know us ... on our terms. We are a very viable force. And, we're fabulous. And, don't forget, we are still parents and grandparents and we BUY for our underlings ... probably YOU.
Have a happy Monday everyone.
Thanks,
ann
Labels: Boomers aging, consumption, marketing to boomers
posted by Ann Fry, Head Boomer at
8:27 AM
1 Comments
