These key findings are drawn from 504 web surveys conducted among U.S. Boomers (adults 42-60 years of age) gathered November 17-19, 2006

• Most Boomers (59%) believe that companies are doing a better job today than they were 10 years ago when it comes to marketing their products and services.
• Just one-third of Boomers say television advertisements are the best way to reach them about new products and services.
  • The Internet is an equally powerful medium.
  • The majority of Boomers (76%) indicate that they prefer to get information about products and services from multiple sources.
  • Word of mouth and the ability to sample/test products firsthand have a strong impact on purchase decision.
• A mixed bag when it comes to Boomers financial situation over the past two years – about 40% say it has gotten better while an equal percentage say it has gotten worse.
  • However, Boomers are optimistic about the future and the majority (55%) say they feel their family’s financial situation will get better over the next two years.
• Affording retirement and rising healthcare costs are both dominant financial concerns for Boomers.
  • Paying for college emerges as a top issue for Boomers who still have children under 18.
• Boomers seem confident that they will be able to keep up with new technologies, although there seems to be an opportunity to build their confidence even further.
  • Cost is the top concern (46%), although perceptions (or misperceptions) about the complexity of new technologies is an equally large part of the equation.

See the full survey results (PDF).