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.
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