ZoomersZoomers

By Dr. Erik RabinowitzBy Dr. Erik Rabinowitz

“The 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 will be more appropriately known

not as boomers, but "zoomers" as they pass 60 years of age and alter society's concept of

retirement.”

Traditionalists Born 1925-1945

65 Million

Baby Boomers Born 1946-1964

80 Million

Generation X Born 1965-1980

46 Million

Generation Y/ Millenials

Born 1980-2002

76 Million

• 7,918 Americans turn 60 each day. • 330 every hour or 4 million a year in 2006.  • In 20 years, the age profile of America will

match that of Florida • about 1:5 Americans will be older than 65.• 2011 Zoomers can expect to live, +18 years.  

• 4 out 5 Zoomers intend to keep working in

retirement. • 1/2 plan to launch into an entirely new job or

career in retirement.    

ZoomersZoomers• The Boomers' devotion to exercise and fitness is

a prime example of their influence on society. • President's Council on Physical Fitness.• “Little League Generation”• As they matured corporate fitness centers and

private health clubs sprouted up• Work hard, play hard and spend hard is their

motto• They typically state that they feel 10 years

younger than their chronological age.

Zoomers cont.Zoomers cont.• Retirement is a "mid-life" event. • Consistently over-programming their

days with very little down time.• Purchase more upscale goods and

services.• Attracted to facilities that emulate the

Club Med or country club philosophy.• Prefer to socialize in smaller groups and

extended family circles.

ImplicationsImplications• Remain dedicated to health, wellness

and exercise.

• Old splash `n' play pools are giving way to large fitness pools designed to accommodate water walking, water aerobics and active lap swimming.

• When programming for this age group, remember to customize the experience to cater to their need for self-fulfillment, healthy pleasure, nostalgic youthfulness and individual escapes.

• Activities such as bingo, bridge and shuffleboard will likely be avoided like the plague viewed as being old.

• Terms such as "community center," "adult center" or "social center" are far preferable to "senior center" in the eyes of boomers.

• "The Golden Age of Aquarius“ Nostalgic mindset keeps boomers

returning to the sites and sounds of their 1960s youth culture. As long as the likes of Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney can crawl onto the stage, there will be boomers to fill the arena seats.

• Technology will continue to have cachet.• The length and timing of programming must be

compressed.– An hour here and an hour there, throughout

the week, both day and night.

• They love the outdoors• Trails for walking, hiking and biking are

amenities favored by homebuyers, and zoomers are quickly adding in-line skating and rock climbing to their list of favorite outdoor activities.

• Arts and entertainment huge (so know your community)

• Sixty-eight percent of boomers are married.• They love and seek educational programming.

Program ideasProgram ideas•Getaway weekend trips•Computer club•Coffee with the expert•Cooking workshops•History club•Creative explorations into self (will you be my partner?) •Sounds of music•Women & the shoes that got us here•Diabetic shoes•Simplify your life series•Defensive driving

Program ideasProgram ideas•Watercolors•Make and take craft workshops•Floral arranging•Snowmaking madness•Tennis anyone?•Sunshine gardening group•Basic orienteering (never get lost again)•Backyard buffet for the birds•Aromatherapy workshop•Table tennis•Warming up America (quilting class)•Line dancing

• Puppy love (animal therapy)• Downsize with EBAY!• Genealogy• Social bridge• Financial Fridays• SHIIPs Senior Health Insurance Information

Program• Health screening• Support groups • VIP Visually Impaired Programming• Caring for your loved one• Community living that for me• Slow walker faster pickers club

Program ideasProgram ideas•Seniors of steel (body strengthen classes)•Massage therapy for elderly couples•Easy does it! Low aerobic•Gentle yoga•Mediation •Pinochle & hearts club•Brown bag book chat•Bra burning (political activist club)•Whoo Dominoes!•Senior chess•Manicures and makeovers