Baby Boomers Fastest Growing Segment of Gym Population

This article points out that the number of health club members over 55 grew by 343 percent from 1987 to 2003, while the number of members in the 35-54 age group increased by 180 percent. This is expected to continue and have three very interesting sections about the growth.

Best Boomer Workouts

This talks about some of the most effective workouts for Boomers. The key points are highlighted and can help spark some focus points.

Why Day Hike?

Day hiking is becoming popular with all ages, especially two aging baby boomer groups: The formerly active and the inactive

My Itchy Travel Feet: The Baby Boomer's Guide to travel

A blog by a boomer and her travels....might be interesting for those looking into travel....

Shock-Absorbing Shoes: Bad for knees?

When researchers examined the effects of different types of footwear on people with knee osteoarthritis, they found that going barefoot put less stress on knee joints than wearing foot-stabilizing walking shoes or clogs.

....The age range that the researches tested were baby boomers....

Terra Plana - Ethical footware

Some cool shoes that are stylish and eco friendly.....

check out the vivo barefoot and doopie lines....

You Walk Wrong

It took 4 million years of evolution to perfect the human foot. But we’re wrecking it with every step we take.

This article has some really good information...make sure to check out all 6 pages of information...

Boomers not backing down from foot and ankle arthritis

They danced to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and disco. They worked out with Jane Fonda and made jogging their national pastime.

Now approaching retirement, many members of the "Me Generation" aren't ready to slow down, even if their bodies are. Foot and ankle surgeons say Baby Boomers are more likely than previous generations to seek care when arthritis develops in their toes, feet and ankles.

Interesting webpage on how injuries occur and how to deal with it and other anatomy questions

The page has info for those who really don't know much about the human anatomy and joints

Gadgets that help boomers with their age

This site has interesting views and products

The boomer crowd in snowboarding is bigger than you think

Here is a short article for anyone working on snowboarding that should be encouraging!

Snowboarind Technology Prediction

Just a quick blog post of someone stating how riders of today might react when they get older.

Active Hands Grip Aids

This is not exactly for seniors but I thought it a good example of a product for people with extremely limited hand strength and dexterity.

A Home You Can Grow Old With

Those stairs look like a slipping hazard!

This Washington Post article is in the latest IDSA newsletter (DesignBytes) that talks a bit about aging in place, universal design, and the concepts for what homes can become -- accessible, adaptable and visitable.

Brain Games

SF Magazine was delivered today and there is a story on the rising interest in Brain Games. I think this is a great article for anyone who is designing products in the social interaction, mental health area.

The link will take you to the online article but the actual magazine has some nice graphics and images of older folks.

Baby Boomers are Building Luxury Bathrooms

Home renovations of bathrooms are introducing a range of new products targeted towards Baby Boomers.  "They're trading up for products in which they find value, in which they want to invest...For other products, they're choosing to go to commodities stores."

marketing strategy for boomers?

Six reasons why people retire to retirement communities

Things retired people look for while searching for a place to spend the rest of their lives.

Sports injuries

Good (short) article from the consumer products safety commission that talks about injuries related to specific activities.

Bumps for Boomers

This is a good article that looks at boomers and skiing.

Baby Boomers Showing Their Age In Gardening

With the gardening goods industry on the rise and flourishing in the 1980s, there is an equal decline in sales since the peak of the market in 2002. The focus on more long-life flowers, like serviceberry trees, which change with the seasons, is getting more popular than the short-life, attention-needing flora. Read on to see what a few baby boomer have to say about their gardens and habits.

Gardening - Baby Boomers On Target

"Cool tools that are efficient, don't harm the environment, and play to the self-mythology of an activist" are a part of a huge marketing movement towards the baby boomer consumer. The read above provides a helpful to-buy list of gardening products approved for baby boomers.

Furniture for the Elderly

This furniture manufacturer claims that their furniture is design for the elderly. Their furniture is modern, large and comfortable looking.

Boomers go surfing

"Boomers make up about 15 percent of America's surfers, but it isn't just some inner need to find the perfect wave that draws them to the sport."

Baby boomers getting high

More and more baby boomers are turning to drugs to ease aches and pain.

Looking Younger = Good!

Baby Boomers love looking younger! Essentially, people will always want to look younger.

Harley Davidson and Baby Boomers

Harley Davidson will face undoubted epic fail if it does not dramatically change its marketing image as its aging baby boomer population will eventually, and inevitably, expire.

The Shallowest Generation

Baby Boomers Are Heavier, More Prone to Arthritis

Industry sees changes as baby boomers keep on skiing

Boomers are still skiing well past their 60's. A short article about how boomers are still hitting the mountains and loving it.

Bloggin' on Blogs

Lots of other helpful links within this one blog post by Spokane Al... "I am just a man, plugging along, trying to do my best in sport and life. I trust that you will let me know when I falter." (Check out his profile.)

Perfect bicycle for boomers...weee

A quick little snippet and a few bikes for boomers. Check it out! Yummmy Lime!

It's Good to Be Green: Socially Conscious Shopping Behaviors Among Boomers

More Insight into the minds of Boomers

This is an aarp article titled 50 Things You Need to Know by 50, it's a lot of advice from well known boomers.

New Robots Can Provide Elder Care For Aging Baby Boomers

This talks about a robot called the uBOT-5, that allows elders to live independently, and provide relief for caregivers, the medical system and community services. It's not very pretty, but the idea was inspired by the human's anatomy.

14 Simple Ways to Convert Your Sedentary Lifestyle

Here's a good article that might generate some good ideas for Baby Boomers who have or are still working in a 'sedentary' environment.

New Survey Shows Seniors are Healthier and More Physically Active than Most People Think

A survey shows the over-50 group to be very positive on their health outlook, forward-looking, fairly active exercisers (particularly compared to previous generations), and motivated by personal belief rather than outside pressures. 

Designing for Baby Boomers

Universal Design, Less is More, and Ergonomics mean certain things to the baby boomer generation. How to design for baby boomers.

OLPC and Boomers?

Speaking of advertising to baby boomers. I wasn't sure which class to post this for (124 or 128) but I was still a little wierded out.

NABBW

The National Association of Baby Boomer Women (NABBW), the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning the 38-million strong Boomer women demographic.
If you can get past the pink factor, there is some potentially good info provided in understanding this demographic.

Where Are Baby Boomers Hanging Out?

An article with links to social networking sites that Baby Boomers are using.

AARP Research on Expectations of Baby Boomers in Retirement

A Segmentation Analysis that addresses:

Introduction and Background
Overview of the Research Design
Key Findings From The Survey
Unique Expectations for Retirement
Other Expectations
Focusing on Retirement and Reflecting Self-Reliance
Generational Differences
Optimism and Ambivalence
Polarization Within the Generation
Evaluating Social Security and Medicare

New hearing aid the latest toy for stylish Boomers

This was a hearing aid that our group had in our research presentation. It was meant to work as a hearing aid but has the style and design of all the popular Bluetooth earpieces and was meant to make customers feel younger and more hip. Oh, and it costs about $5000-$7000 per pair.

Baby Boomers Not Interested in Social Media

This article is about a survey conducted to see what kind of social media Baby Boomers participate or are interested in. Social networking and blogging scored the least, with more traditional internet marketing trends being more common.

Selling Universal Design to Baby Boomers

Reiterating a lot of the research data we have already covered, this article provides some great highlights on how to approach universal designs for baby boomers and details to be aware of for saleability. Boomers are not old and do not desire to be reminded of their age--this universal notion is an important starting point for the article.

Ford Vehicle Designs Influenced By Baby Boomers

With the influx of the aging baby boomer consumer barreling greater influence within industry and design, automakers like Ford Motor Company are looking towards the ergonomic needs of their boomer customers for inspiration. Ergonomics within the automobile requires modifications which make equipment more usable and intuitive for people. Truth be told, by 2030, the number of people over the age of 50 will surpass those under 20.

Here are some boomer products

This site shows a ton of products that the older end of boomers are possibly using.

Boomer Sports injuries

This pdf of sport related injuries about boomers has a good graph on what sports are more commonly related to induce injuries. This may show possible future products for preventing injuries, assisting in the sport, etc.

12 Health risks of aging that baby boomer can avoid

For Baby Boomers, even if you've been slipping up until now, making healthful changes today can turn back the clock—or at least slow it down.

Honda's new machine will help you walk again

The Japanese automaker, Honda is working on a machine that assists in walking. Honda currently have a prototype of the machine out and being tested. It will help elder people walk on leveled ground and as well on inclined grounds.

Baby Boomer Magazine

This online magazine has a load of info, it centralizes around the active baby boomer, it has websites, chat rooms, blogs, news briefs and a ton of other info.

The market for boomers

This website shows a lot of info that deals with a wide variety of subjects, for example: Demographics, population, finances and a lot of other insightful info, check it out

Changes in gardening patterns of aging baby boomers

Interesting article on trends among baby boomers around gardening. What has changed about their lifestyle and financials that effects their activities in the garden.

Role of Exercise in Arthritis Management

What are the activities that are important for a person with arthritis. Exercise adaptations and recommendations.

Under Armour...for Baby Boomers

Under Armour targets Baby Boomers for new golf clothing, creating clothes that cater specifically to this demographic.

What Baby Boomers Don't Want

Baby Boomers don't want to be reminded that they're getting old. This is the premise of this brief article about what Baby Boomers want, and don't want, to see in their homes.

A Resource for More Boomer Volunteering

This site has a good collection of links for Boomers to find more information about volunteering.

Volunteerism - A Growing Boomer Trend

One of the things that many extremely active Baby Boomers who are on the cusp of retirement are going to have to deal with is: what to do with all this free time? How do people who are conditioned to work so hard channel their energies into something worthwhile and productive? The answer is volunteering! This handbook is a wealth of information, specifically aimed at people over 50 who want to volunteer.

Fit After 50 - Top 5 Exercises for Boomers

Fitness advice for Baby Boomers from a fitness expert.

4 popular baby boomer activities after retirement

A snippet:

"The truth is, baby boomers are entering retirement with the same amount of energy that they did everything else, and the retirement hobbies that they are taking up are extremely wide and varied. There's no need to get quiet and start sipping your tea,because the retirement hobbies for baby boomers are proving very active and a lot of fun!"

Here is a good resource for baby boomer porducts

This blog provides many links to research regarding baby boomers and products designed for them.

More Housing Trend info

This is a great link for housing info and Baby boomer trends.

What will baby boomers drive?

Here's a short article about the list of cars most boomers are driving.

Baby Boomer Travelers: 50 and Fearless

"Elder travelers are no longer strangers to the adventure market. In fact, they're one of its key drivers."

Days of Wine and ...

Article that talks about some of the lifestyle choices for boomers, and part of the emotional aspirations for their environment.

Baby boomers who are in worse health than thier parents

Baby boomers who are not as healthy as you think.

Housing & What Boomers Really Want

Boomers don't need to be reminded that they are aging and they prefer design and architecture that reminds them of their youth. Helen Velas, the president of Eleni Interiors, remarks, "Universal products for handicapped accessibility can be smart and beautiful in design." New homes and new products can harness youthful beauty while assisting the maturing baby boomer generation.

Boomers Want To Go Out With A Bang

Expressing themselves in all ways possible, the baby boomer generation is showing greater involvement with their own funerals. 75% of boomers want to prearrange their own funeral services and events. Even more intriguing, the growing trend and awareness of sustainable action has led many people to look towards environmentally conscious funerals--many burial sites now also permitting cardboard based coffins. There is a lot of interesting data and the link is worth the read.

Award winning fitness gadgets

NAWT! but maybe it'll help trigger some ideas. =)

Boomer will save the world....but first they will save golf.

From Golf in America, business section:

The important part "After all, the baby boomers are about to retire--and they might just want to nip down to Myrtle Beach and swing some clubs."


The rest of the article

Blues on the green
Why golf is in decline

Dateline: AUSTIN
MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina, boasts of being the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World". Alas, its thousands of retired citizens now have fewer places to tee up. Since 1999, 13 courses have
opened, but 19 have closed. Most of the shuttered courses have been turned into housing developments to capitalise on high property prices. Nationally, closures will exceed openings for the first
time this year (see chart).
This retrenchment may be no bad thing. In recent decades golf may have become the most over-built sport in America. The number of courses at Myrtle Beach more than trebled, to 105, in 25
years. "It's an issue of a market adjustment," says David Graham, executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan, who says his state led the country in the past 10-15 years in course
openings. Recently there have been several closures, which he attributes in part to the car industry's woes.
Worse still, the number of rounds played is down nearly 4% since 2000. One problem is that golf is expensive: the median fee for 18 holes is $40. Also, a round can take a full day, and who has time for that any more? In Myrtle Beach golf holidays are now four-day weekends rather than week-long extravaganzas, says Mickey McCamish, of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. Some courses even
try to hurry patrons along.
Golf still reigns unchallenged as the corporate sport of choice. But it is often perceived as exclusive, so firms may prefer other forms of social activity in today's diversity-conscious climate, reckons
Susan Amey, of the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler business school. She also notes the rise of more inclusive "scramble" golf, in which everyone makes a shot, but the next shot is
taken from the spot of the best player.
What lies ahead for the industry? Lawsuits, for one thing. The spate of recent closures has stirred ire all over the country. People with homes next to golf courses do not want McMansions to
replace the greenery, not least because it might hurt their own property values. Two such suits are in play over course closures in Deerfield, in southern Myrtle Beach. Another looming worry is
insurance. Premiums for courses along the Gulf Coast have soared by as much as 500% since last year's awful hurricane season, says Joel Willis Jr of Clubsurance, a golf insurer.
Demography, if not the weather, may yet come to the rescue. After all, the baby boomers are about to retire--and they might just want to nip down to Myrtle Beach and swing some clubs.

mmmmm beeeeer

Biobeer can protect against diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer. Lets all get protected!

Baby Boomer Health Concerns and Questions

A few simple tips and answers about health for baby boomers......by baby boomers.


"I don't know who said it first but ..."If I had known that I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself." This quote has been attributed to Mickey Mantle, Eubie Blake, Winston Churchill, George Burns and others. This could very well be said by a great number of us Baby Boomers."

Boomerater!

It's like Yahoo Answers, but for baby boomers. See what baby boomers are talking about.

Boomer Summit

Information on current trends related to the baby boomer population.

5 exercise activities for boomers

This is a list of five activities that are low impact and good for boomers.

Suicides rise for white, middle-aged adults

The suicide rate in America is rising for the first time since the late 1990s as more white middle-aged men and women decide to end their lives.

Baby Boomers - Know This Consumer

Baby boomers—typically defined as those folks born between 1946 and 1964—are the largest buying group in America.

You, Too, Can Have A Bionic Body

New materials and high-tech procedures are driving a surge in hip, knee and even ankle replacements.

SMALL. IT’S THE NEW BIG.

 

Indeed, the Nano, which has only one windshield wiper, has more in common with the bare-bones econo-boxes that baby boomers drove during the '70s energy crisis. The children of the boomers wouldn't know what to make of a car like that

VIsion SImulator

Lighthouse international has a simulator that will give you a sense of what it is like to have various types of vision impairment.

So Baby Boomer

This site has a lot in info on topics we have been discussing; exercise, relationships, finacial...

'Boomeritis': Sports injuries plague aging baby boomers

"Boomeritis," a term coined by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) that refers to the growing number of sports injuries among baby boomers. Boomeritis is so rampant, says the AAOS, that the organization has trademarked the term and developed a web site (www.boomer-itis.org) geared toward helping those who suffer from it.

Karen McCullough: Baby Boomers (video)

A brief talk on the Baby Boomer generation. They want attention!

'Brain gym' may exorcise Boomers' fears about aging

Very interesting read on how some baby boomers are using mental exercises for their brain to help them stay and feel younger. These "neurobics circuit training" exercises have helped coma patients and helps others fight depression.

Boomers Should Add Muscle Before It's Too Late

This is a great article that relates to what our guest speaker was talking about in helping boomers add muscle before it stops or debilitates. It talks about a method of training called resistance training that can help retain strength for baby boomers.

Aging Baby Boomer Generation Change the Design of Homes

Article from How Stuff Works website by Molly Edmonds.
It shows how baby boomer generation change the design of homes.

Core 77 Video about GE employees engaging in 'emapthic research'

Consumer Product Safety Comission's Report on Boomer Sports Injuries

It's a little dry and report-ey, but has a lot of stats and potential jump-off points.

Baby Boomer - Travel Habits

The trend of travelling for tourism and luxury travel is suddenly on the rise throughout the U.S. This is especially true in the case of baby boomers, the generation of people born between 1946 and 1964. Baby boomers comprise nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population which is equal to 76.1 million Americans. However, the travel habits of baby boomers are quite different from those of either their parents, or their children.

Sports Equipment for Seniors

"...While Mitchell's love for softball hasn't diminished over the years, he admits that he doesn't hit or round the bases as quickly as he used to. But thanks to new lightweight bats designed to pack a powerful punch, he can still get the thrill of sending the ball soaring 270 feet. 'If I were still playing with an old aluminum bat I wouldn't enjoy the game,' he says. 'You want the ball to be lively or it isn't any fun.' "

A Bad Case of "Boomeritis"

Studies show people who exercise regularly have increased energy and think, sleep, and cope with stress better.

This article discusses two kinds of physical activity problems for baby boomers: The first, and most common, is not getting enough exercise. The second is forgetting one's age.

Whirlpool designing appliances for baby boomers

Article showing how Whirlpool designing appliances that solve issues baby boomers have. Also contains a nice video of them simulating the aging effects of the baby boomer generation (deaf, blind, arthritic).

Boomers Keeping Active

Encouraged to run 3-5 fives times a week by their doctors, legions of baby boomers fill orthopedists' office regularly. The need for surgery and hip replacements, among many body stress fractures, has led to the name boomeritis.

Another baby boomer blog

Found a blog with a plethora of information about baby boomers

Increase in demand for knee replacement

As more baby boomers are engaged in active life style they are visiting doctors office to get their knee replacement surgery. knee replacement surgery enables them to enjoy their favorite activities with no pain for a long time.

Boomers are trying to stay active

Baby boomers are staying active as they are encouraged by doctors to stay healthy. Baby boomers are first generation to exercise and first to exercise into their 70's.

Next Generation Gap: Senior Citizens Play Wii

Here's an interesting article from 1UP where they just brought a Wii into a retirement home in El Cerrito, CA and just let them loose on the Wii. The article might only work through IE, not sure. At the end of the article there is a short video of the making of the article that's worth checking out.

Brain Workouts!

Researchers are learning that playing puzzles and interacting in mind-stimulating games can reduce many cases of dementia. Namely, cognitive thought promotes the brain's plasticity--the ability for the brain to adapt and flex when faced by an obstacle. Read more to see what games are good for you!!!

Boomer the Magazine

Water and Exercise...Why it is better for the 50+

Exercising in water reduces weight and impact on bones and joints. This enables people with arthritis to increase their range of motion, heart health, balance, and brain function.

The Six Shopping Worlds of Baby Boomers

A very detailed article that includes trends, statistics, and types of shoppers in the Boomer generation. They started with a study in six geographic markets with a questionnaire with attributes compiled from market research.

10 Million Baby Boomers Face Alzheimer's

Although almost a year old, this article talks about at least 5.2 million Americans that suffer from Alzheimer's, including 200,000 to 250,000 people under age 65. This report projects that the overall prediction will reach 10 million cases, which translates to 1 out of every 8 boomers in the next few years.

boomers and wii

baby boomers using Nintendo Wii to stay active.
http://babyboomerinsights.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/when-the-me-gen.html

Gardening and the Active Baby Boomer

"Baby Boomers don't get old they get arthritic knees." The baby boomer generation doesn't want products that make them feel old.

Common Causes of Pain in over 50

The article describes the diseases and injuries common among the 50+. Each is has a description, including side effects.

Health issues over 50

A healthy list of health issues for people over 50 including:Health care
Have a medical MOT to prevent future health problems

Hearing
A variety of tests are available for hearing loss

Incontinence
Why incontinence occurs and what can be done to control it

Medication
Get the best out of your medical care in the years to come

Sex
Advice on enjoying sex when you suffer with a medical condition

Sight
How to make the most of your vision at 50-plus

good baby boomer website

Here is a good website related to anything about baby boomers. It is filled full of useful articles.

http://www.aginghipsters.com

women boomer blog