Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Writing Her Own Sequel
Joyce Wadler
The New York Times
March 1, 2007

Overview: Wadler writes about Sarah Davidson, age 65, who was forced out of her job at age 50, struggled to find a new job and decided to move away in search of a meaningful life. She reports, “Davidson, who made her name with the 1977 novel Loose Change, about three women of the '60s coming of age, has now written Leap! What Will We Do With the Rest of Our Lives? It focuses on a time in life that Ms. Davidson has christened the Narrows, when the old professional and personal identities have been stripped away and one is left in the dark. Ms. Davidson, a former writer and producer of ''Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,'' chronicles not only her own struggles, but also those of other successful boomers who have found themselves sidelined.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/garden/01davidson.html?_r=1&ref=garden&oref=slogin

Senators search for ways to keep boomers on the job; Flexible schedules and other changes may be needed to head off a national labor shortage
Jonathan Peterson
Los Angeles Times
March 1, 2007

Overview: In this article, Peterson explains how many employers are adopting work programs that cater to older employees. Working later in life is extremely important right now, due to the impact boomers will have on the nation's economy once they begin to retire. "A wave of retiring workers will weigh down economic growth in the coming years unless Americans save more and employers take steps to hang on to more of their older employees, experts said.”

http://www.latimes.com/business/careers/work/la-fi-workforce1mar01,1,7907206.story?coll=la-headlines-business-careers

Women's changing image
Jenice Armstrong
The Philadelphia Daily News
March 1, 2007

Overview: Armstrong reflects on advertising and marketing campaigns as well as Americans’ attitudes on aging and beauty. Specifically she writes, “As baby boomers are maturing, America also is coming to grips with the notion of mature beauty. Age aside, British actress Helen Mirren was one of the most applauded women to make her way across the red carpet on Sunday night. I'll bet that you know plenty of examples of other women over the age of 40 who haven't turned in their sexy cards.” The article goes on to say, “on one hand, America is broadening its definitions of female attractiveness as it allows its favorite on-air personalities - Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer among others, yet at other times when confronted with modern-day images of what, say, 50 looks like - they're taken aback.”

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/living/16807439.htm

Calling it quits: women act early but men take ages
Bernard Salt
The Australian
March 1, 2007

Overview: This piece concentrates on Australian baby boomers and their marriage trends, while comparing them to the previous generation. Salt writes, “the depression generation was prepared to slog it out in marriage until parted by death, the boomer generation is more likely to go solo into old age than to suffer the pain of an unhappy relationship.”

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21303399-25658,00.html

Poll: Boomers rate for fun, music
Thomas Hargrove and Guido H. Stempel III
Knoxville News Sentinel
February 27, 2007

Overview: This article shares key findings from a national survey of 1,008 adults conducted by Scripps Howard News service and Ohio University that “Americans agree that the baby boom - the folks who flamboyantly celebrated sex, drugs and rock-n-roll - is the nation's fun generation… But baby boomers are credited for enjoying life and for producing the best music of any recent generation.” Additionally the survey results show that “Baby boomers, more than other generations, are most likely to say old age doesn't begin until 70 or even 80. Three-quarters of boomers say old age happens sometime after age 69.”

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/national/article/0,1406,KNS_350_5384358,00.html

This past Sunday, like 40 million other Americans, I curled up on my couch and fell into the Academy Awards trance, moonily gazing at star after star sashaying down the glorious red carpet. I don’t know what it is exactly, but year after year, I never tire of this unabashed parade of fame, fuss and beauty.

For rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Is Looking Your Age Now Taboo?
Natasha Singer
The New York Times
March 1, 2007

Overview: Singer questions, “Are wrinkles to become a thing of the past for the self-selected few, like crooked teeth after the advent of modern orthodontics?” She suggests, “At the very least, wrinkles are being repositioned as the new gray hair — another means to judge attractiveness, romantic viability, professional competitiveness and social status.” Moreover, “As Americans live longer, middle age has shifted to 60 from 40, with 40 recast as a youthful stage. That leaves some women grappling with the idea of what 60 looks like.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/fashion/01skin.html?em&ex=1172898000&en=f798b7205644c7b8&ei=5087%0A

For Some Aging Actors, Self-Mockery Sells
Nina M. Lentini
The New York Times
March 1, 2007

Overview: Lentini reports on the growing trend of “hiring venerable actors, once known for serious straight roles, to display cleverly self-mocking sides of their personalities in campaigns aimed at younger as well as older consumers.” She suggests that “For advertisers, the older actors can be reassuring — they are unlikely to fall out of favor by behaving badly. This article also shares examples of current campaigns that accentuate this trend.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/business/media/01adco.html?em&ex=1172984400&en=4fb44e760266738c&ei=5087%0A

Born to be ‘Wild Hogs’; All-star cast identifies with boomers’ buried values
Susan King
Los Angeles Times via Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
March 2, 2007

Overview: This article discusses the new comedy film, “Wild Hogs,” staring Tim Allen, John Travolta, William Macy and Martin Lawrence as it relates to baby boomers. King suggest, “Although filled with slapstick and more than a few off-color jokes, the movie’s underlying theme is how many baby boomers feel that they have compromised their values while losing the idealism of their youth.”

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/living/16818640.htm

HeartMath Introduces Two Products to Revitalize a Baby Boomer’s Body, Mind, and Spirit: emWave Personal Stress Reliever® and emWave® PC Stress Relief System
Emediawire.com
March 2, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing, “Baby boomers are recognized for taking a proactive approach to the health of their mind, body, and spirit. According to a 2006 study from the Natural Marketing Institute, 4 out of 5 boomers feel that relieving their stress would increase their quality of life. New stress-reduction technology products from HeartMath® LLC are designed to do just that. Created by boomers for boomers, the handheld emWave Personal Stress Reliever® and the emWave® PC Stress Relief System are breakthroughs in personal stress reduction technology. Both products will be introduced and demonstrated at the 2007 What’s Next Boomer Business Summit on March 5th and 6th at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (www.boomersummit.com).”

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/3/emw508810.htm

55-Alive! Announces 55-AliveChat!(TM) for the Baby Boomer and 50+ Online Community, and the Launch of 55-Alive! Ask the Expert
PRNewswire
March 2, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing the roll out of 55-AliveChat! Ask the Expert designed to “cover areas such as grandparenting, relationships, dating, career advice, and pets.” Moreover, members can create blogs and profiles, form groups, view current news, sports, health and entertainment videos, search the 55-Alive! library of movie reviews, search RV (recreational vehicle) listings, bed & breakfast listings, and, through the 55-Alive! Career Center, conduct a job search.”

http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20070301/AQTH02401032007-1.html

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Could Baby Boomers Be Approaching Retirement In Worse Shape Than Their Predecessors?
National Institutes of Health
March 5, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing, “Americans in their early to mid-50s today report poorer health, more pain and more trouble doing everyday physical tasks than their older peers reported at the same age in years past, a recent analysis has shown.”

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2007/nia-05.htm

Gadgets for graying set; Baby boomers demand - and get - big-button TV remotes, no-frills cell phones and computers that start with a touch
Clint Swett
Sacramento Bee
March 5, 2007

Overview: Sweet reports, “technology companies are gearing up new products or adapting existing ones to capture a potentially huge and profitable demographic -- baby boomers. The gadgets include oversize TV remote controls, simplified cellular phones and computers that ask for a thumbprint instead of a password.”

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/132668.html

Dating boom is not just for the under-40 set
Laura Berman
The Chicago Sun-Times
March 5, 2007

Overview: Berman’s article focuses on boomers and dating. Specifically she writes, “Today, boomers in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond are finding themselves newly single -- either due to outliving their partner or to divorce. And being out on the dating scene again can be daunting. Many of this generation never so much as said the word condom or had much experience dating.”

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/berman/282861,CST-FTR-berman05.article

Baby Boomers Get All the Answers and Live It Up at the Boomers Show in Las Vegas
PRNewswire
March 5, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing an event designed strictly for baby boomers that will be held in Las Vegas this fall. The Boomers Show(TM) -- How to be Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser ...and Live it Up! is expected to attract thousands of Boomers from around the country. The purpose of the event is to give “boomers the opportunity to get questions answered, to connect with businesses, and to proceed into the future, to feel in control of their lives.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-05-2007/0004539019&EDATE=

TV Land elects Clinton for baby boomer pep talk
Paul J. Gough
Reuters
March 2, 2007

Overview: Gough reports on TV Land’s next move in targeting baby boomers through a speech by President Clinton during the network’s advertising presentation on March 23 at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. He shares, “TV Land and other similar networks like Ion Media Network and Hallmark Channel argue that even though they're leaving the holy grail of Madison Avenue in droves by virtue of aging, baby boomers are still a viable and advertiser-friendly demographic.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0238906520070302

Beauty for the Baby Boomers
Jeannette Park
Fashion Wire Daily
March 2, 2007

Overview: Park concentrates on the latest baby boomer beauty trends and writes, “Today's television watchers see an increase in products aimed at the women-over-40 demographic over the past few years. Dove has notably featured older and curvier women in their TV and print ads, highlighting their take on "real" women. Revlon has eschewed conventions of using young models, and has instead signed on Julianne Moore, 46, Diane Keaton, 61, and Susan Sarandon, 60, to hawk its anti-aging products.” Park also discusses the latest book by Bobbi Brown, Living Beauty, that is focused on beauty tips for baby boomer women.

http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/first_word/beauty/article.weml?id=1020

Boomers are:

A: The most selfish generation in history
B: Selflessly concerned about their legacy

You must have an opinion! Everybody we’ve posed this question to thus far has. But before we share our results in a future blog, we’d like to get your opinion on this—and four other key questions.

For rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

"What's Next Boomer Business Summit" Speakers Share 2007 Predictions with Fleishman-Hillard's FH Boom
Emediawire.com
March 6, 2007

Overview: During yesterday’s “Fourth Annual What’s Next Boomer Business Summit,” FH Boom polled some of the conference’s top speakers on their predictions for the top trends in boomer business for 2007. Their answers provide unique insights into how companies and organizations can tap into this 78 million strong powerhouse generation. Read today’s blog for the top trends in boomer business for 2007.

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/3/emw509544.htm

New Life-Planning Web Site Helps Boomers Redefine Retirement
PRNewsire.com
March 6, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing the launch of whatsnextinyourlife.com, created by Life Options Institute and developed by baby boomers, to “help individuals 50 or older have an emotionally and intellectually fulfilling next phase of their life -- leading up and through retirement. The process does not involve financial planning, rather the aspect of lifestyle, next career, wellness and leisure activities.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-06-2007/0004540324&EDATE=

Baby Boomers Relocate to Kick-Start Their Lives; From Beach Houses to Mountain Towns, Americans Find New Beginning
ABCnews.com
March 5, 2007

Overview: This “Good Morning America” segment focuses on a new trend for baby boomers: relocating or moving into co-housing developments. “As American baby boomers grow older, many are considering moves and asking themselves where they should go. The answer? Anywhere.”

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2923901&page=1

A Maturing Home Market; Luxuries Luring 55-And-Over Buyers to New Communities
Paul Owers
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 5, 2007

Overview: Owers reports on baby boomer housing trends. Specifically he writes, “Baby Boomers? They're much pickier. Armed with unprecedented wealth, Boomers demand 10-foot ceilings, high-end appliances, a clubhouse concierge and live theater performances from Joan Rivers. Companies that know how to deliver that lifestyle are enjoying brisk sales, even as the housing downturn lingers.” Moreover, “55-and-older buyers, many of whom made plenty of money after selling their first or second homes, are keeping the market for senior housing vibrant.”

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-ybcover05mar05,0,4844.story?coll=sfla-business-headlines

Baby Boomers Retire to New Role in the Work Force; Employers Tap into Their Wealth of Knowledge and Experience
BusinessWire
March 5, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing, “It seems that many baby boomers are taking retirement only to return to work in the role of consultants, mentors and part-time employees.” Additionally, “for the baby boomers, conditions have to be right to induce them to continue working after they take retirement. I retired early because I want the freedom to do some of the things I put off during my career,” said Harry Huhndorff, a former design engineer with Eveready Battery in Cleveland. No one was more surprised than I to discover I could actually earn serious money working as an independent design consultant for companies right in my area. I can take on as many projects as I like, turn down the ones that are not interesting or challenging, and work primarily from home – or wherever I happen to be.”

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070305005166&newsLang=en

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Boomer power holds sway at state, national levels
Lisa Hoffman and Sarah McBroom
Scripps News
March 6, 2007

Overview: This article focuses on the political power of baby boomers and includes thoughts from FH Boom co-chair, Carol Orsborn Ph.D., sharing, "It's uncharted territory, said Carol Orsborn(cq). We don't know yet what this generation will do.” Moreover, “Orsborn, the author of 15 books on the boomers, sees other commonalities that could also impact governance. Boomers of all stripes prize self reliance, individuality, can-do optimism, tolerance, and a combination of skepticism toward government with a desire for civic engagement. Whether all these proclivities - plus the generation's ‘we want it now’ bent and its well-honed sense of entitlement - translate into a definable boomer approach to politics and government will surface over time, said Orsborn, herself a boomer.”

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/19876

ATLAST Magazine Building Bridges for Beautiful Baby Boomers
EMediawire
March 7, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing the debut of ATLAST magazine, a “brand new hairstyle magazine depicting members of the age-less generation wearing sexy, trendy hairstyles and makeup. The magazine features skin care tips, fashion advice, fitness routines and more, helping boomers establish a head to toe personal image. ATLAST is dedicated to the idea that people need to get real concerning beauty and aging.”

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/3/emw507858.htm

Marketers Need New Strategy To Reach Boomer Wallets, Experts Say
Amy Hoak
MarketWatch
March 6, 2007

Overview: Hoak reports on marketing to boomers and highlights some of the current trends in marketing to this powerful demographic. She writes, “this demographic feels it's being snubbed by advertisers, even though boomers also outspend other generations by about 2 to 1 across all product categories.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/marketers-need-new-strategy-reach/story.aspx?guid=%7BC6074B7A-073F-4972-AF7A-A8FEBCC31FE0%7D

Addressing Boomers' Greatest Concerns About Aging
PR Newswire
March 6, 2007

Overview: This press release announces, “The greatest concern of Baby Boomers about aging is staying mentally sharp, according to experts gathered in Chicago for the Boomer Summit, a part of this week's annual meeting of the American Society on Aging.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-06-2007/0004541033&EDATE=

Aging boomers drive costs; Study projects health care expenditures
Christopher Snowbeck
Pioneer Press
March 6, 2007

Overview: Snowbeck reports that according to a study from HealthPartners, “baby boomers will contribute to an 18 percent increase in health care costs due to demographic changes by 2050.” Moreover, “The costs would be in addition to likely increases in spending from new technologies as well as growing appetites for health care services.”

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/16840612.htm

Today kicks off the second day of the much anticipated “Fourth Annual What’s Next Boomer Business Summit,” co-produced by the "American Society of Aging Business Forum on Aging and Mary Furlong & Associates. We’ve had a great time at the summit thus far and are looking forward to another wonderful day of interacting with leading marketers and strategist targeting the vast baby boomer demographic. Yesterday, we brought together the top presenters of the Summit to get their take on the top boomer marketing trends in ’07.

For rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Baby Boomers Demanding Higher-Level Volunteer Work
Kristen Gerencher
MarketWatch
March 8, 2007

Overview: Gerencher reports on baby boomers’ volunteer work, while sharing key findings from a recent report by the Corporation for National & Community Service. Specifically, she discusses how baby boomers desire more challenging volunteer activities. She writes, “The report's findings may help nonprofits focus their programs to keep volunteer work challenging and rewarding to boomers so they will be generous with both their talents and their wealth.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/baby-boomers-demanding-higher-level-volunteer/story.aspx?guid=%7BB94A5269-C84A-4483-AA06-D96C727F4B12%7D

Baby boomers turn to Internet for cash
Jennifer Hill
UK Reuters
March 8, 2007

Overview: Hill reports, “Birmingham Midshires found that the baby boom generation is turning to the Web to make ends meet. Moreover, “An estimated one million baby boomers are struggling to find work because of their age, and one in 10 over-45s is now self-employed and relying on the Internet to grow their businesses.”

http://uk.reuters.com/article/personalFinanceNews/idUKNOA82663120070308

Realizing the potential of an aging society
Daisaku Ikeda
Japan Times
March 8, 2007

Overview: Ikeda reflects on the aging society and the importance of “recognizing and treasuring the contributions of older people”, which the reporter says “is essential to the long-term flourishing of any society.”

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20070308a1.html

I’ve opted out of commenting on the Dove Pro-Age campaign until now, because of mixed feelings that I could not quite identify. It took More magazine’s 2006 MORE/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search to put my thoughts into focus.

For rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News from Today's Boomiverse

Baby Boomers Will Spur 18% Rise in Health Care Costs by 2050, Study Says
Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies
March 9, 2007

Overview: Baby boomers will contribute to an 18% increase in health care costs by 2050, according to a study conducted by Minnesota-based insurer HealthPartners, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=43386

Baby Boomers Seeking a Different Retirement Lifestyle—At Home
Nanette Overly
Senior Journal.com
March 9, 2007

Overview: Overly reports that the largest and most influential population, the Baby Boomer Generation, is once again exerting its gravitational pull on the American socio-cultural landscape. Now in a state of housing flux, “the 400-pound gorilla of a demographic” has its sights set on the housing market, redefining the expectations and priorities of mature homebuyers, and changing the face of residential development.

http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Boomers/2007/7-03-08-BabyBoomersSeeking.htm

Good Night’s Rest Costs Baby Boomers a Bundle
Ashley Heher
Associated Press
March 9, 2007

Overview: Heher discusses how mattress companies are fluffing up their selections of ultra-luxe beds that retail for more than the cost of cars, college tuition and parcels of land, all in order to capture the affluent baby boomer who wants a good night’s sleep.

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/national/article/0,1406,KNS_350_5404559,00.html

Boomers Show Advertisers Life After 50
Kristina Knight
BizReport
March 9, 2007

Overview: Knight reflects upon the fact that just seven months after launching their portal catering to the tastes of the Baby-Boomer generation, Eons.com has proven itself as a viable online platform.

http://www.bizreport.com/2007/03/boomers_show_advertisers_life_after_50.html

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Healthy aging: Baby boomers grow into new eating habits
Mia Stainsby
Canada.com
March 12, 2007

Overview: This article addresses the many health concerns that aging boomers face. One of the key factors of healthy aging is food. Stainsby explains, “For general preventive health, the best fighters against disease and premature aging are antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits.”

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/lifestyle/story.html?id=94984e92-27c9-4e48-8a71-6683b9429522&p=1

Baby boomers are tough customers
Lisa Shidler
Investment News
March 12, 2007

Overview: Shidler explains that at last week’s “What’s Next Boomer Business Summit” in Chicago, it was concluded that that the financial services industry has a difficult time developing marketing schemes to baby boomers because they are not loyal to financial institutions. “Many boomers have lost loyalty due to recent mergers in the financial industry,” said speaker Vicki Thomas, president of Thomas & Partners Co. Inc. in Weston, Conn.

http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070312/FREE/70308028/1002

What will happen to all that Japanese boomers' cash?
Roger Pulvers
The Japan Times
March 11, 2007

Overview: Pulvers discusses the several options that Japanese boomers have with their finances. Many will simply save in a bank account, while others will buy real estate. Pulvers also draws some similarities between American baby boomers and the Japanese dankai no sedai (baby boomers), including attire, musical preferences, and parental upbringing.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/fl20070311rp.html

Our Books, Ourselves; Baby boomers and their books—it's a love story where nobody ever said he was sorry. Except, perhaps, for 'Love Story' itself.
Malcolm Jones
Newsweek
March 9, 2007

Overview: Jones writes about reading and literature trends among the boomer generation. He writes, “Boomer readers just kept reading, and they aren't just reading the same old stuff—does anyone read Brautigan or Heinlein anymore? We go to readings and join book clubs and, most important, we do everything we can to make sure our children read. And we're still proselytizing!”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17534882/site/newsweek/

Fastest-Growing Jobs
Hannah Clark
Forbes
March 9, 2007

Overview: In this article, Clark credits the abundance of the U.S.’s fastest-growing jobs to aging boomers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Between 2004 and 2014, seven of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. will be in health care,” and “of the top 30 fastest-growing jobs, 17 are health care-related.” Additionally, he suggests that most baby boomers are doing well financially and able to afford a fair amount of health care.

http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2007/03/09/jobs-boomers-labor-lead-careers_cx_hc_0309jobs.html

When it comes to marketing to boomers and beyond, intuition doesn’t always do the trick. It’s critical that we learn from others. That’s one of the real values of attending an event such as the “What’s Next Boomer Business Summit”, recently concluded in Chicago. The American Society on Aging’s Business Forum on Aging and Mary Furlong and Associates produced the event, while our Fleishman-Hillard’s FH Boom was a sponsor and I had the big fun of sitting on a panel with Gail Sheehy, among others.

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog.

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Industries set sights on baby boomers
George Chamberlin
San Diego Source
March 9, 2007

Overview: Chamberlin’s piece focuses on businesses that are marketing products to baby boomers. She shares insight from FH Boom co-chair Eileen Marcus who states, “Because of its sheer size and $2.1 trillion in spending power, more and more companies are waking up to this generation and adapting their business with an eye toward the boomer demographic.”

*Please note: this article may require a subscription to access

http://www.sddt.com/news/article.cfm?SourceCode=20070309tbc

After 50, time to rediscover who you set out to be
Jane Glenn Haas
Orange County Register via Fortwayne.com
March 13, 2007

Overview: Haas discusses life after 50 for boomer women and shares thoughts from FH Boom co-chair, Carol Orsborn P.h.D. Haas writes, “In truth, there are the ‘core’ or status quo Boomers who stay entrenched in their designated programs, says Carol Orsborn… This group, she says, responds to the message of authority.” Moreover, “In addition to the ‘core,’ there's the majority, the group who moved away from home and into a more reactive transition mode. And the ‘actualized boomer,’ her definition of the person who has made peace with the best of all life stages.”

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/16893540.htm

Boomers richer than ever
George Megalogenis
The Australian
March 13, 2007

Overview: Megalogenis reports that Australian baby boomers are “even richer than previously thought, with new figures showing one in four Australians approaching retirement age hold an average of more than $1 million in assets.”

http://www.news.com.au/comments/0,23600,21372160-462,00.html

This dating service is for boomers only; Woman develops Web site to bring singles of a certain age together
Valerie Zehl
Press & Sun Bulletin
March 13, 2007

Overview: Susan DiCola launches BoomerAgeClub.com, a Web site described as “a way for unattached, like-minded boomers to find each other.” This article also shares, “The Internet's not lacking for sites catering to or giving information about this biggest-ever age-based demographic group. A Google search yields 1.87 million hits for ‘baby boomer.’”

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070313/COLUMNISTS01/703130319/1006/

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"


Baby boomers like to spend, retail thrives
Seniorscopie.com
March 14, 2007


Overview: This article focuses on boomer spending in Finland that shares, “Baby-boomers are different consumers than previous grey generations. They are willing to invest in high-end products in all walks of life. The trend is well visible in food retail. Ageing will also influence the demand for small corner shops in the future.”


http://www.seniorscopie.com/actu/article.asp?id=070314104551&rub=swi


It's Baby Boomers, Not Senior Citizens, Gobbling Down Alternative Medicines; Boomers 'questioned authority - and medicine is a form of authority'
Katherine Kahn
Seniorjournal.com
March 13, 2007


Overview: Kahn reports on the use of alternative medicines and reveals survey results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kahn shares thoughts from Andrew London, Ph.D. who states, “The results that show middle-aged adults as most likely to use complementary and alternative medicine could in part be a reflection of baby boomers’ approach to health.” Moreover, “The baby boomer generation was countercultural. They questioned authority — and medicine is a form of authority.”


http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Nutrition-Vitamins/2007/7-03-13-ItsBabyBoomers.htm


Cruise Ship Report for March 2007 -- News for Cruisers; Small Luxury Cruise Ship Companies Prepare for 'Baby Boomer' Boom
Cruise-ship-report.com
March 14, 2007


Overview: This piece discusses the latest trends from the Searade convention, a annual cruise ship industry expo. Cruise ship companies believe baby boomers will spend more money on luxury cruise lines. The article goes on to say that a brand new, even more luxurious cruise ship is being built just for baby boomers.


http://www.cruise-ship-report.com/News/031307.htm

Financial planners will find it heartening to know that now more than ever before, there exists vast opportunities to market their “planning wares” before the boomer demographic. Why? A recent survey by Nationwide Financial reveals some answers.

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog.

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

The 'Gray Divorce;’ the numbers of longtime couples walking away from their marriages is on the rise
Michelle Mullins
Daily Southtown
March 14, 2007

Overview: Mullins reports on the notion of “Gray Divorce.” Specifically she writes, “A national AARP study found that the divorce rate among people ages 40 to 79 years old is on the rise, with more women seeking the break in higher numbers than men.”

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/lifestyles/294837,141LIF1.article

RFROC ANSWERS ‘When Will the Baby Boomers Really Retire?’
Business Wire
March 14, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing the Retirement Financial Readiness Opinion Council's (RFROC) latest study, “When Will the Baby Boomers Really Retire?” Bruce Hurwitz, the RFROC president states, Boomers “are about to shift and begin taking distributions to live their retirement dreams… It is critically important for financial services companies to understand the coming retirement account outflow phenomenon, and to develop plans for attracting new sources of investment assets.”

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070314005904&newsLang=en

Tech Made Simple: Gadgets for Baby Boomers; From Big Remotes to Fingerprint Locks, Companies Design Products for Aging Americans
ABCNews.com
March 14, 2007

Overview: This article focuses on the latest gadgets for baby boomers including large-button remotes, Nintendo Wii, and laptops with fingerprint logon. These latest technologies are designed to make life easier on the baby boomer generation.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2950008

Boomers say no to retirement, yes to starting over; More people changing gears after 50
Kathryn Fiegen
Iowa City Press-Citizen
March 15, 2007

Overview: Fiegen discusses the trend of boomers delaying retirement, switching careers or starting their own business. She writes, “They want more flexibility, they want to pursue a longtime passion or they want to pass on a business to their children.” Moreover, many baby boomers are registering in university courses to continue their education.

http://www.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/NEWS01/703150322/1079/HAWKS

Having attended more than a few marketing-to-boomer conferences, one thing has become clear. Before long, much of the talk centers around boomer gals. Of course, boomer women influence 80 per cent of consumer goods and services for their demographic. And any boomer man who is still married to a boomer woman will attest to her, ahem, influence. But that isn’t the whole story.

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Boomers get wake-up call at aging summit; Health care system deemed not ready to meet demands
Michael Vitez
The Philadelphia Inquirer via Bradenton Herald
March 15, 2007

Overview: Vitez reports on family caregiving and writes, “At a major national meeting on aging last week, one message to boomers was this: Get ready. You're going to do much of the family caregiving yourself - caring for your parents, helping navigate them through a sea of doctors, often doing it long distance.” He also shares predictions in technologies and shares, “Culture-changing technology is just a few years away - doctors, nurses and boomers will be a touch screen from frail elders, thanks to new interactive computers, monitors, cameras and sensors.”

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/nation/16904292.htm

Opinion: Caring for boomers requires increasing number of home care nurses
Val J. Halamandaris
Detroit News
March 16, 2007

Overview: Halamandaris shares thoughts on boomer retirement and how they will impact caregiving. Specifically Halamandaris writes, “This generation will not go silently into the good night. They will not meekly submit to retirement, but bend and shape the concept to suit their needs.” Moreover, “While they will be far healthier and live longer than their parents, Boomers -- the richest generation in history -- will have the resources to structure the support programs needed to deal with disabilities and remain independent in their own homes.”

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070316/OPINION01/703160304/1008

Robert Half International and RetirementJobs.com Announce Partnership: Collaboration Provides Experienced Workers With Access to Top Jobs, Employers
PR Newswire
March 15, 2007

Overview: Press release announcing, “Robert Half International (RHI) and RetirementJobs.com today announced a strategic partnership in which RHI will provide job listings and career management content on RetirementJobs.com, the Web's leading career destination for people aged 50+...RetirementJobs.com provides opportunity, inspiration, community and counsel to people over 50 seeking work to match their lifestyle.”

http://sev.prnewswire.com/workforce-management/20070315/SFTH05115032007-1.html

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Boomers bust at 65?
Erica Thompson
The Courier-Mail
March 19, 2007

Overview: Thompson reports on Australian baby boomers (ages 45-64) and their financial status. She writes, “While they put twice as much into their super each week as those aged under 45, this is still less than one-third of the amount they spend on entertainment and recreation.” Additionally, “as they `sea-change' and `tree-change', the boomers are spending more on recreation than either younger or older households…”

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21402558-5003417,00.html

Baby Boomers Heat Up Suburban Housing Market Choosing 55+ Community at Red Mill Village
Thematuremarket.com
March 18, 2007

Overview: This article focuses on the popularity of the Red Mill Village in Norton, Massachusetts, and relates the community to the rising trend of “aging in place.” “While Florida, Arizona and other Sunbelt states continue to attract the 55+ crowd, a growing trend of "aging in place" or staying close to home in familiar locales is emerging for many Boomers considering their next housing move.” Moreover, “according to a recent study by the Mortgage Bankers Association, aging in place is one of the most significant factors impacting housing over the coming years, dramatically shaping the makeup of our neighborhoods and communities. Suburban areas are expected to gray faster with Massachusetts standing out as a state that will have a lower rate of overall population growth but will gray quickly through aging in place.”

http://www.thematuremarket.com/SeniorStrategic/Red_Mill_Village-8442-5.html

Stylin' as a baby boomer: Here's how; Neither too frumpy nor too provocative is the right way to go
Mary Giunca
Richmond Times Dispatch
March 17, 2007

Overview: This piece discusses the book Forever Cool, written by Sherrie Mathieson, featuring “more than 200 pages of before and after shots of men and women in their 50s and older who are not models. The book shows styles for work, casual times, dressing up and sports.” Guinca writes, “Women older than 50 tend to gravitate to one of two extremes,” Mathieson said. “They either chase youth in the form of short skirts and plunging necklines, or they default to a dowdy style that includes matronly suits, shapeless pants and tops and orthopedic-looking shoes.”

http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350213396&path=!flair&s=1045855936229

Having the great fortune of living in the Napa, Valley (when I’m not on the road as a boomer ambassador) I take my inspiration from the art and spirit of wine. Wine, you see, has the good sense to improve with age. In fact, the finer the wine, the better it gets over time.

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Report: More than 5 million living with Alzheimer's
Associated Press via CNN.com
March 20, 2007

Overview: Associated Press reports, “More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, a 10 percent increase since the last Alzheimer's Association estimate five years ago -- and a count that supports the long-forecast dementia epidemic as the population grays.” Moreover, “age is the biggest risk factor, and the report to be released Tuesday shows the nation is on track for skyrocketing Alzheimer's once the baby boomers start turning 65 in 2011. Already, one in eight people 65 and older have the mind-destroying illness, and nearly one in two people over 85.”

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/03/19/alzheimers.ap/index.html

Introducing Boomer-Living.com: A Revolutionary Internet Resource for Active Baby Boomers
PR Newswire
March 20, 2007

Overview: The National Center for Baby Boomers, Inc. has launched an interactive Web-based resource created to meet the needs and reflect the interests of the active, creative lifestyles boomers have embraced… Boomer-Living.com encompasses culinary arts, financial planning, career management, fitness, health care, home decorating, relationships, total wellness, and travel.”

http://www.sys-con.com/read/350706.htm

After much anticipation, the “What Do We Think about Boomers” survey answers have been tabulated and the results are in! Thanks to all who participated! Let’s see what we think…

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Baby boomers face 'hidden epidemic'
David Wylie
Daily Courier
March 21, 2007

Overview: Wylie reports on the growing concern of an increase in suicide as Canadian boomers retire. He reports, “Suicide among the elderly could soon become an epidemic if people don’t start talking about it, says a speaker coming to Vernon next week.”

http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_1051.php

Baby boomers ready for the stump / Post-WWII generation eschewing postretirement comfort for public office
Daily Yomiuri
March 21, 2007

Overview: This article shares, “An increasing number of baby boomers have decided to run for office during the upcoming nationwide local elections, due to their wish to be useful in society and make things better for future generations.” Moreover, “Baby boomers have been criticized for promoting the bubble economy, leaving the younger generation with enormous debt, and receiving pensions that impose an unfair burden on younger generations.” The Dankao Sedai o Chiho Gikai ni Okuru Network, an organization based in Tokyo, responded to such criticism by calling “for boomers to contribute their sweat and wisdom to society”

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20070321TDY03004.htm

Overprotective boomer parents invade their children's job interviews
Seniorscopie.com
March 21, 2007

Overview: This piece is focused on the Australian Financial Review article, "Taking control to new heights," originally published on March 13, 2007. The article discusses the trend of Australian boomers acting as “helicopter parents.” Specifically, “Helicopter parents are overprotective baby boomers (aged 43 to 61) and older generation Xs (29 to 42), who may make a searing call to a university lecturer when an assignment gets less than the desired mark. They may also make the first approach to prospective employers and take an active role in salary negotiations for their adult offspring. There have also been isolated cases of recruits bringing their parents to their job interviews.”

http://www.seniorscopie.com/actu/article.asp?id=070321171710&rub=swi

Top News From Today's "Boomiverse"

Who Are Today's Boomer Consumers?
Lewis Green
Marketing Profs Daily Fix
March 22, 2007

Overview: Green reflects on advertising to the boomer consumer. He writes, “This ain't my parents' generation, baby. And we aren't in that 18 - 35 group either. But we have money to spend and the energy to spend it freely. However, advertisers don't seem to know we exist. And if they do, their messages and visuals generally miss the mark.” Green goes on to say, “We believe in fun, friends, parties, poetry, books, music and dance. We love NASCAR, baseball, basketball and football and don't know soccer from rugby. We are good ol' boys and girls and feminists and red necks and jean-clad professionals, conservatives and liberals who vote and who are sometimes too PC. We are the 400-pound gorilla in America's living room, wanting to live on, not retire. According to Eileen Marcus, Fleishman-Hillard Senior Partner, we have $2.1 trillion in spending power.”

http://www.mpdailyfix.com/2007/03/we_aint_ready_for_the_rockin_c.html

High Gas Prices Not Slowing RV Industry
Elliott Minor
Associated Press
March 22, 2007

Overview: Although gas prices are high, RV sales have yet to slow down. Minor reports, “The recreational vehicle industry has been reporting record sales for the past five years, despite rising costs at the pump. Insiders credit a growing number of baby boomers who want the gas-guzzling vehicles for retirement and younger families opting for vacations closer to home for offsetting any potential losses because of soaring fuel costs.”

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MOTOR_HOMES_GAS_PRICES?SITE=CACRU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Baby Boomer Obesity Takes Its Toll on the Health Care Economy
Insurance News Net
March 21, 2007

Overview: In this article, the effects of the obesity epidemic are discussed. According to the article, “now there is clearly a marked increase in obesity affecting the baby boomer generation which could take its toll on our economy.” Additionally, “a study by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) revealed more boomers are suffering from obesity than the previous (“silent”) generation. BIDMC also observed that the condition developed at a younger age among boomers than in the silent generation…Ironically, while boomers have access to better nutrition and information about exercise than the previous generation a forthcoming study to be published by National Bureau of Economic Research found that boomers report experiencing more pain, drinking and psychiatric problems. Boomers also complained of difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, carrying more than 10 pounds as well as kneeling or crouching.”

http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.asp?a=top_news&id=77454

Many of us are so proud about keeping up, being as agile and able as a 30 or 40 – something. Well, I hate to admit it but I played the old lady card and it felt good. Call it survival of the fittest or fleetest but last night, close to midnight, I was coming out of Manhattan’s Penn Station. It was snowy and unplowed, slippery and nasty and of course no cabs in sight.

For the rest of today's blog, continue at The Boomer Blog