Positive Aging and Brain Fitness

The New Ageism?

For the past few months, I have been debating myself about the impact of all the focus on Baby Boomers. On January 1, 2010, we entered what will be two decades where old consumers will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in history…not just those born between 1946 and 1964, but all age 50 plus adults. This is the moment many of us, who have been advocating for ageless marketing for the last 20 years, have been waiting to arrive. We were convinced the demographic reality would finally gain the attention of the main stream media, business magazines and policy makers.

Sadly this is not happening. Major media outlets, ad agencies, marketing strategists, and businesses continue to ignore the aging market to focus their attention almost exclusively on baby boomers as
if they were not aging at all but are some type of anomaly. This myopic fascination with boomers is probably not surprising since they have been the primary focus of business and advertising, directly or indirectly for over half a century.

This myopic focus on aging “Boomers” ignores the evidence that they are now embracing later life values rather than the materialistic, ego centered values that dominate life’s first two stages. Sure baby boomers shared some unique events and life challenges, as did every previous generation. The sheer size is what made baby boomers seem unique as this “pig in the python” demographic impacted each life stage as they aged. As a result, our sales and marketing strategies have all been designed to communicate with the 18 to 39 year old demographic that has driven advertising for over 30 years.

When Landon James coined the term Baby Boomer in his book, Great Expectations: America and Baby Boom in 1980, he was referring to a demographic phenomenon and how it would impact the country. I doubt he intended his use of the term baby boomer to be a life time label for 76 million people born over 18 years. Others such as Yankelovich Inc. in the 1960’s and author Sylvia Porter in 1951 had also used the term to describe this explosion. Unfortunately, the term baby boomer was popularized over the last couple of decades by the media, a few authors and self appointed “Baby Boom experts” as
totally different from all previous generations of older adults.

These experts have come up with some memorable slogans or positioning lines such as AARP’s 60 is the new 30 or This is not your father’s Oldsmobile. These campaigns failed as did the attempt by Ameriprise to evoke 60’s music and images to attract maturing investors. Like the AARP and Oldsmobile campaigns, Amerprise’s approach was a failure. As author and mature consumer behavioral specialist David B. Wolfe has stated on many occasions, “Either legions of researchers in adult development psychology have created a large body of bogus findings or nearly all of those who craft messages for older minds are hopelessly out of sync with the realities of maturation.” In other words, to succeed in an aging market place, companies would be well advised to learn about later life values, as should the agencies that serve them. Instead, it seems the current approach is to claim the Baby Boomers are just an extension of the youth culture; because that is what they know.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that baby boomers will not all become older consumers at the same time or in the same way. Few were at Woodstock, lived in communes and protested the Viet Nam war. No doubt a like number listened to country music, went to church every Sunday and served in the military. This is not to imply that generational marketing or life stage
marketing focusing on either leading edge or trailing edge boomers does not work…depending on the product. The question is, “Why are we not embracing aging?” By focusing primarily on Boomers, we continue to ignore the older consumer as a powerful consumer group. In fact, it is the only demographic that will grow phenomenally in the next two decades...currently 10,000 adults turn
age 65 every day.

I have come to the conclusion that Boomer Marketing myopia is more than just a distraction; it is the latest form of ageism. “Experts” dodge the question with statements like; “Boomers are reinventing retirement” rather than admitting that “retirement,” as currently perceived, is an outdated concept…a holdover from the industrial age. There is no room for “retirement” in this maturing market where people can remain productive well into their 80’s and beyond. Since the media know, or think they know, how to market to boomers, they choose to simply ignore the reality of an aging market place. However, until we fully embrace both the challenges and the potential of an aging marketplace, we will not develop the new paradigms to guide future success in every sector. Clearly, this is not your Father’s market.

The worldviews, values and behavior of middle age and older adults reflect ebbing materialistic influences that dominate the aspirations of the young and that set the directions of commerce and culture for the last 50 years. Today, our culture is beginning to reflect the qualities of behavior Abraham Maslow made famous with the term self-actualization as people begin depending less on
materialistic sources for life satisfaction and more on experiential sources. Today’s older adult majority will not only change the rules of successful marketplace engagement, but will likely drive a transformation in business enterprises and government policy as well.

Battling ageism in every form should become a priority in the next two decades. We have made tremendous strides in the battles against sexism and racism, but continue to tolerate ageism in
multiple forms. As someone observed recently, “Telling a joke about minorities is called racist. Demeaning women is called sexist. Making fun of older people is called situation comedy.” Boomers will age much like the members of the Silent Generation and we need the combined numbers of all adults over age 50 to win the war against ageism. However, we can’t declare war on ageism until the
baby boom is viewed as a part of the aging of America rather than some aging anachronism.

An Incredible Legacy

On December 3, 2011, David B. Wolfe left this world early in the morning. For those that knew him or benefited from his writings, there is consensus that he left the world and the field of aging a much better place than he found it. For over three decades, David’s vision has guided thousands to more successful careers in senior living, marketing, financial services, aging services and so many other professions that his impact staggers the imagination. And by impact, I do not mean only those that knew and learned from him while he was living but the many that will continue to learn from his legacy.

When I first read Serving the Ageless Market, it was like this incredible man had lighted a pathway to success in an aging marketplace. What I had felt intuitively, David justified and explained with a solid foundation in research clearly explaining why a new marketing paradigm was needed. A client we had both served recommended that we meet because I was training on what worked, and David was consulting on what did not work. The client thought we might make a good team. That led to a phone call and a 3 hour meeting in the St. Louis airport at which David agreed to join me on a series of two day workshops on marketing to middle age and older adults. In reality, he was the teacher and I was the student.

That student/teacher relationship that began over 20 years ago blossomed into and incredible
friendship and gave birth to a “think tank” group of 50 professionals dedicated to preserving and expanding on David’s life work. Together we created a unique organization known as The Society that has become more of a circle of friends than a traditional professional organization. Following the workshops, we coined the term Developmental Relationship Marketing to describe a new approach to mature market communications that recognized lifestage changes. David continued to refine the theory while I focused on the practice of ageless marketing. I can’t imagine not having him as a mentor and sounding board in the coming years, but I am confident his spirit will continue to guide those of us that are committed to building on his legacy.

We frequently agonized how little money there was in being ahead of your time, but David’s vision of a more ageless society is slowly coming into focus. While it saddens me that he never received the recognition he so justly deserved, I know his impact is just now beginning to be recognized. At the recent 10^th Anniversary meeting of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) in Orlando, we issued awards to organizations for their positive aging/ageless approach to marketing communications materials and ICAA published recommended Communications Standards to guide those interested in improving their marketing materials. On December 6, several members of The Society will also be conducting workshops at the Positive Aging Conference hosted by Fielding University in Los Angeles; and David’s spirit will be with us.

David followed Serving with three more books: Ageless Marketing, Firms of Endearment,
and the soon to be published Brave New World View. For the past four years, David has been battling lung cancer while working on what he knew would be his final work. When he completed the last page on December 1, he called contributing author Mike Baumayr to his side and suggested they break out the champagne. He had a couple of sips and went to sleep never to truly awake…mission accomplished. Over the years, I have come to consider David, his wife Linda and youngest daughter Stephanie a part of my family and will cherish their continued friendship. Rest in peace my friend with the assurance that the members of The Society and the many others you have influenced are committed to carrying your message to anyone wise enough to listen.

Freedom to Choose

I just finished reading an article in AARP’s newsletter about diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. As I anticipated, the meat of the article did not live up to the headline. Oh, there has been
progress in a doctor’s ability to identify if the brain has “plaques and tangles.” For years, it was hypnotized that these plaques and tangles were the cause of Alzheimer’s; however, science has yet to explain why others with plaques and tangles had no noticeable symptoms. As Dr. Peter Whitehouse points out in the Myth of Alzheimer’s, it is more than one thing and brain aging playsa role.

Of course, the drug companies hope they will eventually find the cure, or a preventative, in the form of a new drug. Big Pharma is cheered on by consumers who have come to look for magic
bullets to solve all their problems. Perhaps, if we focused as much time andmoney on non- pharmaceutical interventions and more time promoting whole body wellness, we could significantly improve the overall quality of life, and maybe improve cognitive well being for millions. For several decades, we have been replacing purpose with pills, which has resulted in an increasingly medicated older population while encouraging learned helplessness. In fact, all too often, interaction between drugs (both prescription and nonprescription) can produce
symptoms mistaken for Alzheimer’s or other problems.

As a proponent of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I learned that the ultimate human freedom is our freedom to choose. We can choose to be reactive or proactive; but it is up to us to make the choices. While we know that optimistic people outlive pessimists by over 7 years, this is seldom factored in when evaluating quality of life. We are too quick to blame others when in fact the only person controlling our feelings is us.

While it would be great if there were a pill that could prevent or delay the onset of dementia, there is an ever growing body of anecdotal evidence, much of which is supported by science, that a variety of activities and habits may delay the onset of dementia, improve processing speed and enhance one’s memory. We now know that what is good for the heart is good for the brain; but that is seldom mentioned in articles about the search for the cure.

Maybe we can’t prevent Alzheimer’s disease any more than we can prevent aging. However, like aging, there is a lot we can do to improve our quality of life and battle future memory loss just as we can battle diabetes, heart disease and lung problems with lifestyle changes. At NeoCORTA (www.neocorta.com), we have developed self-evaluation tools to help users identify and understand their risk factor and provide customized plans to improve cognitive well being, but a person must want to take charge of their future to benefit from those plans and
change their behavior accordingly.

I have come to believe that positive aging is well within everyone’s reach…Believe you can; believe you can’t and you are likely to be correct – your choice. Both attitudes can become a
self-fulfilling prophecy once you understand and respect the mind body connection…aging is just a series of many beginnings and we control the starting points for each pathway.

Proud to be a Loser

While loser is not a title that I would have pursued earlier in life, I am honored to be on the winning team in a 9 week competition at our local hospital sponsored Wellness Center. We all receive a free month’s dues for our accomplishment. I lost more weight (36.4 lbs) than the other 30 participants but came in second in the competition which was judged on the basis of percent of body weight. Mine was 13.8% and the winner lost 18%.

My prize was a smiley face my doctor drew on my blood work report that was part of my VA physical this morning: hemoglobin 5.7, Cholesterol 147, Triglyceride 44 HDL 40, LDL 98. A year ago my blood sugar was high, my cholesterol was on the high side of acceptable and I was on blood pressure medication…today it was 99/60; and my doctor reduced use to every other day and to eliminate it is a month or so. The morale: you are never too old to get back in shape.

During this 9 week program, I became increasingly aware of the market potential that exists for wellness programs designed specifically for those ages 55 and older. The program I was involved in was clearly designed and directed for those 25 to 40 or so. I was at least 10 years older than most participants and had 25 or more years on most. My doctor validated my perception when she asked if I knew of any exercise programming designed specifically for adults 50 and older.

I suggested the National Senior Fitness Association (http://www.seniorfitness.net/) as a possible resource, but could not provide any help with local programming. If we are truly a nation interested in lowering health-care costs, there is no better place to begin than educating the public about the value of later life diet, exercise and weight training. Hopefully, our national aging organizations will begin focusing on positive aging as much as they do next year’s funding. It is time we begin replacing pills with purpose and prevention.

Still Learning & Shrinking

Well, six weeks down and three to go in the “Greatest Loser” completion. I am pleased to announce that our team is currently in the lead with the greatest percentage of loss. The competition is not about total pounds lost but percentage of body weight lost. The program is something more middle age and older adults would participate in if it were configured for older adults.

At 65, I am clearly the oldest person in the program, which attracts mostly women in their 30s and 40s. While the program is not too strenuous and trainers encourage participants to modify exercises as needed, it is not designed for the older body and mind. The nutritional classes are also excellent and I continue to learn. What is doesn’t focus on is the various exercises that are critical to maintaining lifelong independence. I hope to advocate for such a program in the future as I not only think it would be beneficial, but it could be a cash cow for fitness centers wise enough to specialize in this exploding demographic.

I had allowed my knees to becoming very week and found it increasingly difficult to squat without support. While my knees still let me know they have been neglected, I am becoming steadily stronger and more flexible. My breathing is improving as is my upper body strength as my waistline shrinks. More in a week.

Beginning a New Chapter

Waking up on my 65^th Birthday was very special. As I have addressed, my gift to myself was joining a greatest loser competition at our Wellness Center…and our team is currently in the lead. As of this morning, my team contribution is a loss of 18 pounds in four weeks. Physically, I feel a little stronger every week and slowly rebuilding my stamina. In spite of sore muscles where I did not remember even having muscles, I feel better than I have in years.

I am clearly the elder of my team of losers/winners, and see an incredible potential in the fitness industry for those operations wise enough to address the aging of the marketplace. The staff at the Wellness Center which is coaching us is fantastic and supportive. However, my observation is that they lack an understanding of what motivates older consumers. While there are numerous exceptions, most of us do not want to become marathon runners, extreme sports enthusiasts or hard bodies. In fact, I view my membership and class tuitions as a very affordable form of insurance policy.

My second gift to myself was returning to the world of being a self-employed entrepreneur. I have proven without question that security is something you create for yourself. We left SD over 10 years ago to seek the security of a paid executive position with benefits etc. I discovered the definition of security was being downsized twice and having a third position eliminated after a corporate buy out. Last June, we decided to return to our roots in SD and have had absolutely no regrets. Just before leaving Florida, I joined the “virtual team” of a startup brain fitness company called NeoCORTA, which has been an educational and rewarding experience…the entrepreneurial fire was rekindled. I have also recently landed a couple of consulting jobs that have been incredibly rewarding.

At 65, I honestly feel no different than I did at 30, 40 or 50. Hopefully a little wiser; but I certainly do not feel “old;” whatever that is supposed to feel like. I am excited about the next chapter and looking forward to what is not so much an encore career as it returning to my professional roots.  

Getting in Shape

After two weeks of workouts at our Wellness Center as part of a weight loss program, I can testify without any hesitation whatsoever that it is way easier to get out of shape than is it is regain the lost ground. My nutrition education has also improved and played a role in a 5 pound weight loss for the week.

I now have a new appreciation for what a full body workout involves. For the past year, I exercised on an elliptical machine for 60 minutes at least five days a week. While good for my heart, I was building strength in a very limited muscle group. As we age, we need to become much more conscious of building both upper body and leg strength...and my knees really needed some work.

There are three groups of 10 participants in this program of which I am easily the elder. There are a couple of participants in their early 50s and the balance are in their early 30s...my children's age. There is no difference in the workouts conducted by personal trainers twice a week. Our coach is very understanding of the age difference and frequently encourages our team to listen to their bodies. However, the educational component of this program could use some work.

What has occurred to me in the past two weeks is what an incredible opportunity there is for similar program for adults 60 and older. We are not interested in becoming hard bodies; but are very interested in how to maintain lifelong independence, cognitive well being and shedding some pounds. Wellness Centers are missing  a huge window of opportunity, and income stream, if they continue to ignore this age group.

Signs of the Times

While growing numbers of us are advocating for successful aging and battling aging stereotypes, there are new frustrations regularly that set back the movement. The latest entries are “Senior Crossing” signs. That’s correct…like children playing, pedestrians (seniors evidently don’t qualify), and deer crossing, motorist evidently need to be warned that there may be slow moving creatures in the area. This raises both stupidity and insensitivity to a new level.

During an online dialogue on LinkedIn, a member of the ICAA group commented that in Toronto workers are busy installing yellow caution road signs that read "Seniors" outside shopping malls, medical facilities, restaurants (especially McDonald's) and on the streets near retirement homes, aand the trend seems to be international. "Elderly Crossing" signs appear in the U.K., complete with a picture of two bent-over figures, one with a cane; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1046975/Beware-elderly-people-getting-crosser-OAPs-demand-revamp-insulting-crossing-sign.html. California uses a single bent-over figure with a cane; http://claycord.blogspot.com/2010/01/senior-crossing-in-concord-funny-sign.html.

Rather than wasting the taxpayer’s money on signage that is both offensive and unnecessary, why not spend some of that money on aging awareness training.

GM Is Without a Clue

“Misunderstanding” was the perfect designation for the tasteless, ageist, stereotype riddled Super Bowl ad for the Chevy Cruze Eco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWsWIbnPIeA&NR=1). In 30 seconds, the company clearly communicated that it neither understood the older consumer or the demographic realities of the market place. If the ad had used racial/ethnic, gay or sexist stereotypes, the media would have gone ballistic.

By 2020, 1 in every 5 adult consumers will be over age 60. Since the baby boom has been moving steadily toward the magic age for over six decades, this should come as no surprise to either major corporations or the advertising agencies that do their bidding. Still, someone at General Motors approved a campaign that older adults (20% of the market) and anyone working in the senior living industry would find offensive. This fact was validated by a Datamonitor report, which documented that 71% of adults over age 55 felt that advertising did not reflect their current lifestyle and were turned off by the marketing messages that targeted them.

As the Boomers start turning 65 this year, conventional ideas of what it means to be 65 are increasingly untrue worldwide. What we generally hear from the media and politicians is that 65-year-olds will become a burden on the healthcare system and society. However, many 65-year-olds are contributing to the success of society and enjoying good health. Furthermore, American Boomers and their parents have $2.1 trillion in their pockets, according to the Met Life Mature Market Institute. If there is any justice, not one nickel of it should go to General Motors until they issue an apology to mature consumers.

Let the Paradigm Shift Begin

On January 1, the shift from a youth dominated market to one dominated by middle age and older people began in earnest. For the next 18 years, someone will turn age 65 approximately every 8 minutes. Why this seems to have come as a surprise to our elected leaders, business leaders and educators boggle the imagination. However, all three have pretty much failed miserably in planning for the greatest demographic shift in history.

Politically, we debate fixing a Social Security System that is grossly out of date from an actuarial perspective and generally unfunded. Medicare obligations will grow exponentially and the Medicaid outlays at the state level threaten budget solvency in many states and will get progressively worse in the next two decades. Still, few are emphasizing the importance of or providing incentives for preventive health and well being programs. Likewise advances in brain fitness programs that could delay the onset of memory loss receive little attention.

When it comes to business, there has been minimal attention to the reality that older consumers’ process information differently, and have physiological changes that affect their hearing and vision. Simplily stated, it is way past time to reconsider sales, marketing, and merchandising materials as well as how they train and educate their employees. The majority of business collateral materials utilize type is too small, improper fonts, paper that is too glossy, ineffective copy, and colors that may make it difficult to even see the message.

Finally, few educational institutions offer courses on communicating with an aging market, how life stages impact decision making or the benefits successful aging strategies that should begin early in life. There is more than enough information on how to succeed in an aging marketing; but few are yet to pursue that knowledge. Regardless of the sector you serve, there is still an excellent window of opportunity to gain a competitive advantage. However, a new paradigm will be required in order to bring the potential into focus.

 

How Pervasive Is Ageism?

I am coming to believe that age bias is much more pervasive than any of us realize. This does not mean that we consciously discriminate against older adults; however, at the subconscious level we may carry a bias much more in favor of youth. The first step in fighting ageism is for those in the field of aging to determine if they are biased.

A recent email from my mentor, David B. Wolfe reminded me that more people should be encouraged to use Harvard University's no cost assessment. In the email David stated, "most people claiming to be innocent of any charge of ageism who take the Harvard Implicit Association Test discover that in fact they do harbor ageist biases at unconscious levels of their minds. Other research supports the conclusion that ageism (like racism and other "isms") is far more pervasive than most of us realize or want to admit." Take a few minutes and see whether or not you may have an unconcious bias.

 The step is to eliminate all stereotypical terms and age references from our own publications, promotional materials and messaging. We must also be conscious of using only photos that show the resilience, wisdom and experience of older consumers. If we can not first become self-aware and make our organizations bias free, we are not likely to succeed in our effort to dramatically reduce ageism in the general media.

Zoomers or Peter Pan Syndrome?

It would seem the media in this country will go to any lengths to deny the aging of our culture. On October 18, the Huffington Post related “Tips for Staying Younger, Longer” to detail some “facts” about Zoomers – or Boomer narcissists in my view.

The article opened with the Warning: What you are about to read could very well extend your life by several years. According to the article Zoomers are “a growing segment of the baby boomer population who despite their advancing years are refusing to get old.”  

In reality, the article is about a growing fitness and wellness movement among older adults age 60 and over, which included both the Greatest and Eisenhower generations. Generally speaking, older adults have always been open to new experiences; this characteristic was not created by any fringe group of boomers.

 The author goes on to state that, “Zoomers … know true wisdom lies in the fact that learning is an elixir of youth. And who better to learn about being young, than from people who are young.” I offer a counter reality, “Old people know way more about being young than the young know about being old.” The explosive growth of Elderhostel and lifelong learning programs primarily populated by those age 70 and older blows a big hole in this theory.

Next is the claim that, “Zoomers have found a purpose that is greater than themselves.”  So Mother Teresa, Einstein, et al were slackers? Well, developmental psychologists have long documented that we tend to become more altruistic in later life. Likewise, Maslow felt self-actualization was most often found in later life. The late Dr. Gene Cohen was definitely not a Zoomer, but he most definitely pioneered the later life creativity movement with youthful exuberance.

Not surprisingly, the author missed a major factor in longevity – a positive aging self image. While all the other Zoomer “facts” play a role (exercise, diet, socialization, seeking purpose, and brain fitness) to deny one’s aging in pursuit of fading youth is the stuff of Peter Pan. Rather than holding on to the myth that you “can refuse to grow old,” let’s just redefine what aging is really all about.

What is Brain Fitness?

For centuries, it was assumed that mental decline and memory loss were just a natural part of aging and there was nothing that could be done. Whether or not someone became “senile” was just the luck of the draw. Once a myth is accepted as fact, it can quickly become a self-fulfilling prophecy – and did for decades. An insidious aspect of ageism is that it can operate without conscious awareness, control or intention to harm once the myths are accepted as fact.

A few researchers and authors railed against the “decline theory” of aging. Harvard’s Ellen Langer wrote her brilliant anti-ageism book, Mindfulness, in 1989. In the book, she shares the results of several research projects documenting that, “much of what older people experience could be the result of negative stereotypes, internalized in childhood.” Among those stereotypes studied was memory loss. As Dr. Langer observed, “When there is one ready explanation for something – being old – we rarely search for other possible causes.”

This paradigm began to change in the 1990’s as we scientists aggressively began conducting brain research to explore “other possible causes” for memory loss other than age.  In the last two decades, we have learned that not only does the brain continue making new connections between brain cells, it can grow new cells. Further studies have also documented the benefits of lifelong learning and the importance of keeping the brain active. Just as muscles grow stronger with exercise, so does the brain when engaged in brain fitness.

There is little doubt that the brain will change with age and there will be some declines, but studies show that only certain aspects of brain function actually decline. There is no sign of decline in long-term memory and knowledge retention in normal brain aging. Vocabulary has also shown to increase through at least age 60 and emotional intelligence, social skills, and self-control improve with age as well. The debate on the effectiveness of brain exercises, from crossword puzzles to expensive computer games, is ongoing, but studies have definitively shown that aerobic exercise does increase mental acuity. A study done by scientists at the University of Illinois found that 3 40-minute walks per week for six months improved memory, reasoning, and may spur the birth of new brain neurons. [1]

Dr. Mike Merzenich, founder of Posit Science, believes the recent brain fitness movement is a revolution, “It is the beginning of a great societal change in how we think about aging and how we think about making the most of our lives.” While there are new claims made almost daily about the benefits of a new computer game, vitamin, supplement or exercise, little time has been devoted to explaining what brain fitness is and how to pursue it holistically.

Brain fitness is NOT about the diagnosis or treatment of brain-related disorders. It's not just about delaying or preventing cognitive disorders. It is not just the latest memory enhancing computer game or nutritional supplement.

Brain fitness is about capability and performance. Having a fit brain means that we possess the thinking abilities and emotional well-being necessary to work productively, sustain meaningful relationships, and achieve our goals in life.

This definition of brain fitness has several important implications. First, it means that each of us can set our own performance targets. Just as a professional athlete might pursue a different level of physical fitness than an office worker, our brain fitness goals will naturally vary, depending on what each of us is hoping to achieve at each juncture in our lives.

This definition also means that brain fitness is about much more than just one or two narrow measures of brain function. Just as physical fitness is about more than the strength of our biceps, brain fitness is about much more than just memory. In order to pursue brain fitness, we need to consider all of the dimensions that define how we think (e.g. memory, attention, processing speed, problem solving) as well as how we feel (mood, anxiety, stress, etc.). The brain fitness movement is in its early stages, and we need to broaden our perspective if there is to be a meaningful impact on the health and well being of an aging society.

Finally, this means that brain fitness can (and must) be pursued through multiple modalities. Just as physical fitness is not achieved solely through the use of a bench press machine, a single activity (e.g. crosswords, computer-based brain exercises) cannot possibly provide a complete solution for maintaining or improving brain fitness. As with physical fitness, brain fitness is achieved through a wide range of different activities, proper nutrition, sound medical care, and many other lifestyle choices. Navigating through all of the scientific evidence and comparing the options is best done with the help of an expert advisor, but a comprehensive approach is clearly the best bet for achieving brain fitness.

Brain fitness is the capacity of a person to meet the various cognitive demands of life, and involves an ability to assimilate information, comprehend relationships, and develop reasonable conclusions and plans. It can be developed by formal education, being actively mentally engaged in life, continuing to learn, and exercises designed to challenge cognitive skills. Brain fitness is also accomplished with healthy lifestyle habits including mental stimulation, physical exercise, good nutrition, stress management, and sleep can improve brain fitness.

On the other hand, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, aging, decreasing estrogen, excess oxytocin, and prolonged cortisol can decrease brain fitness as well as general health. The first step in developing a brain fitness plan is to become mindful of the fact that living an active, purposeful life can dramatically improve motor abilities, strength, agility and mental responses; and then commit to a plan.

Professional fitness centers encourage people to see their physician before beginning a fitness program. When given the green light, the center then recommends a general fitness assessment to establish baseline parameters before developing a program to achieve optimum well being as well as the person’s primary personal goal which could be anything from reducing blood pressure to losing weight to looking better in a bathing suit. The same approach should be considered for creating a brain fitness program to fight future cognitive decline as much as possible.

---

[1] Newsweek, June 18, 2010.

Key to Reversing Aging???

A member of the LinkedIn Changing Aging group asked me to comment on an August 23, 2010 article entitled, “Listening for the Key to Reverse Aging” by Jessica Hilo of Miller-McCune. The article is a perfect example of how the media dismisses positive news about aging – in this case by using analogies to sitcoms and condescension. Since the article demonstrates both the progress in brain research and the pervasiveness of ageism, I decided to post it here as well...

While the Neuroplasticity of the brain is now a generally accepted fact, it is not the key to "reversing aging;" nor is anything else. Aging is a biological process whereby an organism moves from a simple to a highly complex state. Physical and brain aging declines are both a part of this process; but not everyone ages the same. The problem is that way too many people age prematurely due to self inflicted physical deterioration, disease or the ravages of the "self-fulfilling prophecies" of aging that occur when adults accept and live out aging stereotypes.

My problem with the article is not with the content but the headline and conclusion. I am very familiar with the efficacy studies of the auditory cortex discussed. I did considerable research before investing in a computer program for an upscale community for older adults. We ultimately purchased the Posit Science program, which I have loaded on my personal computer and used. While we cannot reverse "aging," it appears we can reverse or delay cognitive loss by building a cognitive reserve and also increase the brain's processing speed. Posit’s research documents that use of their products can reverse the affects of cognitive decline by as much as ten years. Likewise, their programs that exercise the visual cortex have produced some impressive results. Like the body, you get the most from your brain by exercising it.

Just as it is improbable that we can "reverse aging," we can most definitely mitigate the impact of both physical and mental declines with fitness and wellness programs. I joined NeoCORTA because the company offered an affordable brain fitness assessment vehicle with which adults could evaluate their own brain fitness, identify risk factors that research indicates can result in cognitive decline and offer a holistic action plan to achieve comprehensive brain fitness. Whether or not it can be cured, wouldn't it be great if it could be delayed for 25 or 30 years? What would happen if we spent as much time and money on prevention as we did curing those things that are preventable?

The author of the article uses the analogy that this type of research is like the quest for the Fountain of Youth and so far has only benefited the "beloved aging lab rats." How sad that is the conclusion that can be drawn from such exciting research. Instead of celebrating advances in neurological research and memory, the media so long enamored with the youth culture tends to minimize the advances. Twenty years ago, the scientific and medical communities generally accepted that mental decline and memory loss was a "natural" part of the aging process. Just imagine what we may learn in the next twenty years now that we have data that dementia is not a "natural" part of brain aging.

The Power of Ageless Terminology - Part III

In an aging marketplace, marketing messages, promotional materials and newsletter stories, should depend more on values-based messages and less on objective logic. In photos and headlines, the appeal should be emotional rather than stating facts or posing questions. A subjective lead paragraph or Rockwell type photo will pull the prospect into the ad and increase the probability that the reader will consider whatever you have to offer.

Life experience tends to teach consumers to view the world in shades of gray and to trust their feelings and emotions as they grow older. Therefore, how each person receives and responds, or not, to your message is conditional or qualified based on their worldview and beliefs; and then analyzed in the context in which it is presented. Generally speaking, mature consumers tend to use right brain functions (intuition, visuals, creative, and emotions) to screen messages before processing them rationally. If your message does not get through the screening process, you offer will not be considered.

The older mind becomes increasing context sensitive, so be sure the prospective consumers can see themselves in the story you are telling. If you focus on an exaggerated view of later life, you will leave out the vast majority of older adults who do not go skydiving or mountain climbing. This is not to encourage a sedentary look, but rather real people who are very engaged in everyday life.

Once you have the reader’s attention, you can present features and benefits; however, present only the facts, not your conclusions. For example, never use phrases such as, “you should”, “you must,” “wise consumers will”, “you need to”, “act today” or similar directive language. Creating “a sense of urgency” simply does not work on seasoned, experienced consumers. Directive language may also threaten the autonomy of the targeted consumers. While the initial response is emotional, older consumers will spend more time examining facts and figures than younger consumers once you gain their attention.  

By using inclusionary terms and conditional, conversational style, you take advantage of the mind’s irrepressible need to complete and incomplete picture. Open-ended, deferential statements are also more likely to connect with the experiential backgrounds of multiple consumer segments.

Older consumers place a high value on their experiential perceptions developed through years of sorting through offers and sales presentations. They have heard and seen it all so avoid hyperbole (terms such as new, best, latest, unique). Instead, use positive, conditional, value charge words of phrases… for all life can be, future opportunities await, designed with you in mind, etc. Text should use a clear, easy-to-read, personalized, narrative style, and involve the reader. Information should be presented in a clear and familiar way using positive statements in the active voice, and lengthy documents should be broken into short sections to aid in comprehension.

In summary, ageless marketing communications celebrate the uniqueness and worth of each individual regardless of their age.

The Power of Ageless Terminology (Part II)

To keep our conscious minds from being overloaded with unimportant information, our brains conduct what might be called information triage. Like a trauma unit that makes treatment decisions according to severity of the injuries suffered, the brain sorts through billions of bits of information each moment to select information for the conscious mind to think about.

The brain does not process words; it processes pictures and sensory data in context with the circumstances. If there is a perception that "senior" means old, frail, dependent, bingo player, or other traditional stereotypes, the mind of a the targeted customer may "exclude" whatever is associated with that word from conscious consideration if they do not view themselves as fitting the stereotype. For example, the current stereotype that frustrates marketers in the senior living industry is the common perception that “retirement community” means a place to go when your health is failing…a place for the frail – the elderly.

A targeted consumer’s eyes and ears may detect what you are trying to tell them, but unless their brains sense personal relevance, little of the message content will reach their conscious mind. Your challenge therefore is creating messages that resonate with the needs and interests of the prospect in order to make it past the mental screening process.

You can begin the slow change process by sensitizing all team members to the power, both positive and negative, of the words we use, and subsequently begin using more inclusionary terms to describe our members, communities and services while avoiding the use of exclusionary term (words shrouded in stereotypes that could be perceived negatively).

One simple test is to read your copy and eliminate all age related adjectives senior, retirement, older etc. and then re-read the same copy to see if it still makes sense. If it does, using the terms would seem offensive or demeaning on their face.

Inclusion's/conditional terms allow a people to then screen a message based on their expectations, aspirations, needs and life experience rather than preexisting stereotypes. Inclusionary terms are simply more likely to be positively perceived than the terms traditionally used in our industry.  A few examples follow:

¨Nursing home - Almost without exception, the term nursing home conjures up negative images. Assisted living is beginning suffer the same fate as stories of substandard care are shared by the media. So, don’t use it; but replace it with inclusionary descriptors like The Highlands, The Springs, etc. Skilled nursing care is a service not a brand.

¨Residents  – This is a very impersonal reference to those calling “retirement communities, nursing homes or assisted living facilities” home. While it may be acceptable during a board meeting or staff meeting, the use of terms like depositor, client, or resident terms should be eliminated from materials and signage.  Instead, try community members, neighbors, even people is preferable. As with many terms, the context in which they are used determines the appropriateness

¨Seniors, senior citizens, and elderly – the same principle applies as with residents. First, in conversation use the person’s name; in communications try customers, people, citizens or similar terms of inclusion.

¨Titles– avoid incorporating stereotypes into titles, like “retirement counselor” or “activity director”. Instead, have some fun with terms like “planning adviser” or “events coordinator”. Instead of receptionist, try “director of first impressions” or “concierge.”

¨Retirement – terms like “retirement” should only be used to establish a context. Retirement is basically the act of leaving a full-time career or leaving one profession after years of work…it is not an accurate descriptor of a life stage. While “retirement” once lasted only a few years, individuals now enjoy two or three or more decades of productive life after age 65, which is still considered traditional retirement age. Since retirement suffers from many of common aging stereotypes, avoid using it if at all possible while also explaining why. 

These are just a few examples of how the use of exclusionary terms could be costing you business, donations and profits. Even if 70% of your prospective customers have no problem with the term senior citizen, but 30% do; ask yourself, “Am I willing to give up 1/3 of my potential market on purpose?”

The Power of Ageless Terminology - Part I

 

Amazing!  It took the 64^th birthday parties of a few thousand leading edge baby boomers for corporate America and the mainstream media to finally wake up to the fact that the median age of adults in the US increased by about a decade while they were ignoring older consumers.  Today, articles and conference topics on boomers are proliferating, but understanding of the maturing marketplace has a long way to go. 

For example, are some Boomers old people? If yes, what do we call them?  Are they like other older people? What do they want?  How do we get their attention?  As the market potential becomes more and more obvious, consultants, authors and trainers are pontificating on how to capture the elusive boomer beast – still up to 18 years away from traditional retirement.

If you are searching for four easy steps or six simple typologies that will insure success in the aging marketplace, you’ll not find them here. Why? Because, the typical boomer, like the typical senior, is as much like other boomers as a snowflake is typical. Consumers become more dissimilar as they age not more alike, although they do tend to share common ‘gut level’ values.

Since so few companies have successfully targeted the older consumer, quantifiable evidence on what works best is limited. Some have explored the mature market using traditional methods only to conclude there was little potential because consumers failed to respond. They blamed neither the messenger nor the message, but the intended recipient. Likewise, millions of dollars have been spent teaching aging sensitivity without first developing an empathetic understanding of the consumer and their decision-making processes. Unfortunately, this sensitivity training often reinforces and perpetuates rather than correcting aging stereotypes.

As businesses continue to track the elusive elder beast, there will no doubt have varying degrees of success. To increase the probability of success, one must first abandon the approaches that worked so well in yesterday’s youth market; and adopt an ageless approach more likely to appeal to a maturing consumer base while not alienating other segments.

You can begin by projecting a positive, mindful image of aging. This positive image should underlie all marketing communications, collateral material, web sites, and PowerPoint presentations. Consumers tend to select products/services that reflect images of what they want to be not what they are, and this applies to older adults as well. While physiological declines are a part of life, older consumers “feel” anywhere from 15 to 25 years younger than their biological age, which doesn’t mean they think they “look” 15 to 25 years younger. Therefore, when models are either too young or engaged in extreme sports or too old and dependent, the consumer simply dismisses the message. The key is realistic people in meaningful real world activities.

Advertising and communications should focus on holistic health and well being; being productive, the importance of autonomy and involvement, the importance of relationships and being responsive to the wants, needs and aspirations of targeted consumers and stakeholders. Remember that a prospective customer will consider your initial message for from .2 to .8 of one second (your cognitive window of opportunity). Not much time to make a first impression – that is why every word and image is so important.

 

 

 

 

Wisdom?

The longer I spend in the field of aging; the more the paradoxes and anomalies bother me. I have come to believe that working in the field of aging is no guarantee that a person knows anything about the older people they serve. Oh, they know a lot about the aging process; just little about the older person, their world views and wisdom. I think this is especially in large bureaucratic government and nonprofit organizations.

I make this statement following a unique anomaly that occurred last week. I was about to write a blog entry about a new research project that documented what Tom Peters would call a “blinding flash of the obvious” for anyone that has been mindfully observing older adults. The research documented that “older adults are indeed wise – especially in knowing how to deal with conflicts and accepting life’s uncertainties and change.”

The research from the University of Michigan found that older people were more likely than younger or middle aged people to recognize that values differ, to acknowledge uncertainties, to accept that things change over time and to acknowledge others’ points of view. What struck me most about the story sharing the results was a statement that the research “suggests the critical importance of workplaces’ maintaining the opportunity for older employees to continue to contribute.” So, what is the anomaly?

Shortly after reading the story, I called a good friend who has spent the past 30 years working in either a state unit on aging or area agency on aging. He had just retired from a job in a state office on aging as the result of an attractive early retirement package offer. This man has a wealth of experience that could continue to benefit his state and its older residents for years. However, one of the terms of the package was that he could never again work for the state in any capacity to include as a consultant…so much for the importance of organizations recognizing the value of allowing older workers to “continue to contribute.”

I could almost understand this level of stupidity from a private sector organization that has yet to recognize the changing realities of marketplace that is becoming more senior than junior for the first time in history. For a state department on aging to adopt such an ageist position is inexcusable. The citizenry looks to these organizations as a source of wisdom to address the challenges of an aging society and I fear we will all be sadly disappointed.

 

A Major Disturbance in The FORCE

Everyone working in the field of aging felt a major disturbance in the FORCE on Sunday with the passing of Dr. Robert Butler. Throughout my professional career his has been a consistent voice on behalf of positive aging. The man who coined the term "ageism" to describe the denigration of older adults in both word and deed was a role model for anyone interested in promoting productive, positive aging. His passing on Independence Day seems appropriate for a man that championed later life autonomy while demonstrating the wisdom and contributions that should be central to later life.

He left behind an incredible legacy. In a nation that is becoming more senior than junior for the first time in our history, leadership in every sector of the economy could benefit from his advice. In his last book, The Longevity Prescription, Dr. Butler framed the challenge, "Strictly speaking, longevity is measured in numbers: it is the arithmetical accumulation of days, weeks, months and years that produces our chronological life. Yet aging — or, more accurately, its converse, staying young — is in no small measure a state of mind that defies measurement." Clearly, we are in a time when we need to focus less on age and more on wisdom; less on youth and more on contributions; less on rights and more on responsibility; and less on pills and more on purpose.

Rest in Peace Dr. Butler...you will be missed but live on in those of us committed to picking up the guidon and continuing the battle against ageism.

Who's on First? Part Two

Everyone curious about brain fitness is eager to know what works, in the real world, for real people. What's needed in the industry is a more detailed, data-driven, long term analysis of the full range of products, activities, lifestyle factors, etc. etc. Much more focus needs to be given to studies on wellness rather than disease, which is the focus of the scientific/medical mainstream. New information needs to be interpreted for easy consumption by lay people. Ideally, we can move more quickly toward a system where this data can be used to define/predict benefits for individuals, since this specificity would be much more likely to motivate participation/commitment.

There is an overwhelming body of evidence, both quantitative and anecdotal, documenting that activities such as learning a new language, physical exercise, socializing with friends, working on challenging crossword puzzles, reducing stress and watching what you eat can improve both physical health and improve cognition. Multiple studies by thought leaders such as Rebecca Levy and Ellen Langer detail how a positive mental attitude, meaningful activities and respect impact memory. More recently some “brain fitness games” also claim to have a positive an impact on improving the brains processing speed and cognition.

Similarly studies found that a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with higher education or occupational levels, speculating that these individuals had a greater “cognitive reserve.” Additional findings have led to the theory that lifelong learning is more important for developing cognitive reserve than advanced education level alone.

Technology is also playing an increasing role. Millions of public and private funds have been devoted to efficacy studies on the documented benefits of brain fitness oriented computer games and exercises. This research has advanced the recognition that memory and other cognitive functions are “use it or lose it” skills.

Historically, non-profit providers of aging services to include long term care have focused on treatment rather than prevention. With the growing aging population, providers have a responsibility to share information on the positive benefits of brain fitness with the clients they serve and their employees. In addition to caring for the afflicted or raising funds to find a cure, nonprofits providers should be offering programs that can be built in to the everyday office life of employees, especially those in the mature work force. This could include anything for computerized exercises to new and more challenging assignments.  Employment of such measures could benefit both employee health and retention.

The proliferation of brain fitness offerings has been beneficial, but can cause confusion and frustration among consumers who do not know where to begin. While worried about future memory loss, consumers do not know which products might help or if they are needed. While annual physical check examinations are common place, there is also a growing need for an annual brain check-up or examination, which NeoCORTA is now filling. An annual cognitive exam provides consumers with a current baseline for brain fitness and helps them create a plan to maintain and/or improve cognitive function. We are pleased to play the role of pathfinder in a growing industry.

Who's on First? Part One

Since President George Bush declared the 1990s the Decade of the Brain, we have learned a lot about the workings of the brain. In the last two decades, numerous research studies have validated the neuroplasticity of the brain and others detail how it may be possible to delay or even prevent cognitive loss. Since most active adults over age 50 fear cognitive loss more than they fear heart disease or cancer, a plethora of new products and services in the brain fitness category have flooded the market in response to the fear and growing numbers of older adults.

Many scientists once believed that as we aged the brain's networks cemented in place. But now an enormous amount of evidence uncovered in the past two decades finds that the brain never stops changing and adjusting. One line of research is showing that this flexibility can help maintain language processing even in the face of severe obstacles. Furthermore, some research suggests that special brain exercises can tap into the brain's adaptive capacities and help people overcome certain language and reading problems.

There is currently a lack of clarity/awareness around what "brain fitness" means (it's more than memory; it's even more than just cognition). More consensus building among thought leaders and more education for the general public is needed around its scope and goals. Brain fitness is less about avoidance of disease, and more about maintaining and improving the brain’s capability and potential.

The brain fitness industry is in its infancy. To date, there have been difficulties in reframing the use of brain science for both practitioners and consumers. With the projected rise in Alzheimer’s patients, there is more need than ever for medical treatment and expertise. However, there is also a need for appropriate nonmedical applications of brain science just as there have been in the physical fitness movement. For example, it's time to de-stigmatize and remove the fear factor from discussions about brain fitness. With more education and understanding, the consumer will be able to take control and make their own decisions based on their personal goals and preferences.  As the industry matures, new players and operating models will begin to deliver services rather than depending on doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, and academic researchers. The American Senior Fitness Association is a great example of this trend. They now offer a course on the integration of brain fitness into physical fitness programs.

Alvaro Fernandez, co-founder and CEO of SharpBrains, a research and consulting company that recently published The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2008 report, predicts that within the next few years, the same thing that happened for physical fitness—increasing numbers of health clubs, trainers, coaches, and equipment variety—will also happen for the field of brain fitness. Cognitive training will be conducted much like physical fitness training.” In the near future, brain fitness products will be a must-have for facilities serving older adults. Based on their market research, SharpBrains estimatedthat approximately 400 to 500 facilities for older adults in the United States are now offering some kind of computerized brain fitness program to complement their other recreational and therapeutic activities. And, direct purchases by consumers for at-home use are increasing rapidly as well.  

For widespread adoption to occur, we need a whole ecosystem of new solutions and service providers that can help consumers and organizations pursue brain fitness. For the movement to become mainstream, we need to make brain fitness programs affordable, easy, accessible, scalable, and of course effective. An important part of this is making sure that individuals/organizations can easily embrace the movement and get results without having to become brain scientists themselves, drastically modify their existing infrastructure, or devote massive amounts of time and energy.  

This is Not Your Father's Market

Over 300 years ago, Renee Descartes changed our way of thinking about the world of cause and effect and opened a New World to science. When applied to the world of younger minds (life expectancy was in the 40s 300 years ago) this made sense and worked. Reason was the only path to knowledge. Sir Isaac Newton carried the torch of reason forward opening the gateway to scientific revolution.

Descartes mistake, if you will, was to totally discount feelings and emotions. Until the 1990s, the predictability of human behavior worked as the median age of adults stayed under 40.  However, the world of business and marketing is now struggling to adjust to a new market using an old paradigm.  Just as it would not work for a 60 year-old wear a 40 year-old pair of glasses to read today's paper, your view of today’s marketplace will be distorted if you are viewing it through a youth market lens. The facts are all there – you just can't see them.

To understand the maturing marketplace requires a look through the lens of new science.  A view of the consumer that incorporates their feelings and emotions opens a doorway to their needs and the keys to motivating them to action…integration of reason and intuition with old science.  New science, and new marketing, requires an understanding of what this means and an acceptance that sometimes things just happen.

In spite of a growing body of evidence, marketers, market researchers and ad agencies continue to use traditional logic and methods tested in the youth markets of yesterday to reach and attract the maturing market.  Trusting the devil they know and fearing the one they do not understand.  Still, insanity has been described as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

In this New World of marketing, there are varying levels of informed opinions and few, if any, experts.  The next two decades will surely be a place full of opportunity.  It will also be a place where constants become variables; standards become guidelines; cause becomes effect and long-term customer relationships are as important as quarterly projects and sales quotas.  Objectivity will become illusion and subjectivity will become reality in the design of marketing communications.

Much of what I first learned about marketing was jettisoned out of a need to get outside the box.  Population growth no longer fuels market growth and pushes living standards up.  The once easy world of marketing has become complex with exploding technology and ecommerce complicating the formulas for change.  Relationship, database and social network marketing are replacing mass marketing.  The one-stop, hard sell, in your face sales techniques are going the way of the electric typewriters and rotary telephones.  Subjective sales and marketing methods are gaining followers.

While few in depth studies on mature consumers exist, studies of adult development are abundant enough to reveal major mid-life changes in values, attitudes and behavior.  Central among these changes is the increased value placed on relationships, personal autonomy and customer service as an expectation, not a motivator.

You can't expect to simply use older models while projecting the values of a youth culture.  You can't use emotional visuals and objective copy that focus on features and benefits and expect to gain the attention of older consumers.  You can't use the same techniques, methods and design concepts and expect different results…it is insane. Instead, it is time to seek new knowledge on the values and developmental behavior of the new, mature consumer majority.

First Do No Harm

A recently published BBC study recently cast doubt on the efficacy of brain fitness computer games. Some in the field have cast doubt on the quality of the study. While I doubt the results, assessing the research parameters and protocols is way beyond my pay grade. What I do know is that I have witnessed positive results in those using the Posit Science programs. My question to the critics is: “Does keeping your brain active do any harm?” I think the answer is obvious.

For a couple of decades now, the body of evidence has been growing that negative aging stereotypes can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you accept the myth that memory loss is a natural part of the aging process, you increase the probability that memory loss will become a part of your future reality. Likewise, if you believe in the now documented neuroplasticity of the brain, you are likely to do everything you can to exercise your brain in a variety of ways. We may not be able to prevent brain aging, but we can certainly delay its devastation just as we can delay much of physical decline with exercise, better nutrition and staying socially active.

In the last three decades, we categorized “retirees” by calling them “seniors, golden agers, senior citizens or elderly” and viewed them as a group to be offered discounts, catered to, and cared for. This categorization has resulted in a culture of ageism, and the devaluation of people because of their age. Now the focus has shifted to baby boomers as some new subculture that defies aging in a veiled attempt to perpetuate the youth market mentality.

Every year more and more adults are getting old; but not nearly enough are growing older. We somehow came to focus on the “problems” rather than the “potential” of an aging population. So great is this untapped potential that by changing the current perception, I believe, we can truly begin changing the world. The brain fitness movement is a definite step in the right direction.

As a nation, we developed federal and state programs to feed, house, transport, and entertain “seniors;” but we developed few programs to reintroduce meaning and significance into those services and institutions. We replaced purpose with pills.  Rather than expect people to accept their roles as passive participants and spectators, we need to reintroduce opportunities for them to find meaning and purpose. What good is living longer if the quality of life declines? We have yet to address the challenge issues by Attorney General Robert Kennedy to delegates at the first White House Conference on Aging in 1961, “We have added years to life; it is time to think about how we add life to those years.”      

Boomer Studies Are Driving Me Crazy!

I can’t help it. The statements and “insights” that are printed about “Boomers” are making me crazy! It is as if this “segment” of 76 million people was discovering the aging process for the first time. The printed results and expert comments on the recently released Del Webb Boomer Study are a case in point.

For example, one Boomer expert said that “for Boomers aging is a state of mind. The goal for Boomers is to pursue the Fountain of Vitality.” Well, the first person to make that observation about older folk was Mark Twain. Twain opined that “Age is simply mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” If I remember my literature correctly, Samuel Clemens was not a Boomer.

For over 30 years, I have been working with older adults and found vital involved 80 and 90 year olds way back in the 70s…amazing. My first secretary was 80 when I hired her…and she was fantastic. Sure, there are more healthy and active 64 year old Boomers than there were in the generations before them due to medical advances, education, and awareness; but it is their numbers that make them unique. Their life experience has shaped their worldview, but their values are not different from their parents and grandparents.

The Del Webb study did reveal some startling results…current 50 year olds do not see themselves as seniors. Guess what? Neither do current 65 year olds and a good percentage of 70 and 80 year olds. In the 1970s, I was defining old as 10 years older than you are regardless of your age. Studies done then as now documented that an older person’s psychological age was generally 10 to 15 years younger than their chronological age.

Is the business community that uninformed about consumer behavior that they need to pay “Boomer Specialists” to tell them something they could read in David Wolfe’s Serving the Ageless Market written 20 years ago? Clearly all the hype around the recent studies says they are. Still, we have about 200 years of evidence from developmental psychologists that suggest most of the revelations (increasing altruism, connectedness, personal growth, autonomy, etc.) were totally predictable.

It is true that Boomer experiences and economic realities have changed the game. More people are now more educated and educated people tend to live longer. Boomers were generally wealthier than their parents; and could therefore afford better health care. Many older adults have always worked well beyond 60. Today, more are working longer because they have to do so – and that reality is not unique to Boomers.

Just once, I would like to see an article with a headline like, “New Studies Document Baby Boomers Aren’t Unique After All – There Are Just a Hell of a Lot of Them.”

Is Boomer Fascination Just New Ageism?

When I first started looking at aging demographics, I knew that as the Baby Boomers aged the pendulum would swing and businesses would finally pay attention to older adults as a major consumer segment. How could any logical person think otherwise?

Well, it appears that I was wrong. No one is talking about an explosive aging population; just about baby boomers, who evidently will never be anything else whether forty or ninety. The fastest growing cohort in America are those over age 80…and they still buy groceries, cars, cosmetics, travel, go to movies, eat at restaurants, invest, buy clothes and toys for the grandkids…not just medication.

Today I reviewed an article entitled “Omnibus Survey Allows Marketers to Ask Consumers Questions.” Of course, the company was only surveying adults age 45 to 65, at which point everyone becomes a nonperson. Why would marketers care what anyone over age 65 think? Of course, the media used to ignore anyone over age 40 so maybe this is progress.

 In spite of the overwhelming data, nothing much has changed in the last 30 years. Even if the under age 40 crowd don’t have more money, assets or potential, marketers will search out some form of youth market…or Boomers. Consultants whose minds never left the 60’s have convinced media pundits that Boomers will be never grow older…they will redefine aging. Well, much like they led the boomers in the 60’s the Silent Generation has already extended the boundaries of aging…the American Association of Retired Person has become AARP, Elderhostel is now Exploritas, and Civic Ventures is shining the light on later life empowerment and purpose.

With the current economic crisis, people are working longer and retiring later. Age 65, as the age one becomes “old,” is a misnomer. For business to ignore the age 65 plus population is total insanity – unless they plan to shut down for the next 20 years or so. In 20ll, 76 million of those called baby boomers begin turning 65 at a rate of about 8,500 a day. Why would we not want to know what they are planning to buy, invest in, travel to or do?

Time to Get Real

Amazing!  In two years, a few thousand leading edge baby boomers will begin turning 65. To many in corporate America and the mainstream media this will apparently come as a surprise. While they were focused on Baby Boomers and youth markets, the median age of adults in the US increased by about a decade while they weren't looking. Today, articles and conference topics myopically focus on boomers to the exclusion of millions of consumers age 65 and older.

If you are searching for four easy steps or six simple typologies that will insure success in the aging marketplace, you will not find them. Why? Because, the typical boomer, like the typical senior, is as much like other boomers as a snowflake is typical of other snowflakes. Consumers become more dissimilar as they age not more alike, although they share common ‘gut level’ values their world view is colored by the lens of life experience.

To increase the probability of success when marketing to older adults, one must first abandon the approaches that worked so well in yesterday’s youth market; and adopt an ageless approach.  This approach involves projecting a positive, mindful image of aging. This positive image should underlie all communications, collateral material, and PowerPoint presentations.

All consumers tend to select products/services that reflect images of what they want to be not what they are, and this applies to older adults as well. Advertising and communications should focus on health and well being; being productive, the importance of autonomy and involvement, the importance of relationships and being responsive to the wants, needs and aspirations of targeted consumers and stakeholders.

However, communications also need to project realism. While physiological declines are a part of life, older consumers “feel” anywhere from 15 to 25 years younger than their biological age, which doesn’t mean they think they “look” 15 to 25 years younger. Therefore, when models are too young or visuals focus on extreme sports, the consumer may simply dismisses the message as hyperbole. The key is realistic people in real world activities.

Are We Nearing the Tipping Point

Almost 30 years ago, I authored an article on what to call older adults instead of "seniors." My proposal was that the best label for older adults was no label at all. Recently, a think tank group I am involved with carried on a virtual debate on this same topic. In other words, after 3 decades the debate continues in spite of all that has changed.

While some companies are shying away from terms that tend to label and put people in boxes, ageism is still alive and well in America. Some believe it is just not a big deal if others want to refer to them as seniors, elderly or even fogies. These people have a very positive aging self image and take their ques internally rather than from media stereotypes. However, a large portion of the population continues to fall victim to the self-fulfilling prophecies of aging, which involve more than just the terms we use to communicate with older consumers.

Studies abound that detail how accepting aging stereotypes without questions could be at the root of memory loss, declining health and resistance to adopting  healthy lifestyles...the "why bother" crowd if you will. While people may gain some additional freedom upon retirement, all too many leave "purpose" behind when leaving the workplace. While a new vocabulary has been slow in arriving, there is growing recognition of the importance purpose plays in living life to the fullest. Whether in the public, private, public or nonprofit sectors, creating empowering cultures has much to offer both the organizations and those they serve.

As one of the over 50 crowd reduced to an unemployment statistic due or downsizing, I at first focused a good deal on the "loss" of a dependable paycheck. Howver, with each passing day, my purpose is clear and I will pursue it with a passion for as long possible. Since 1976, I have worked with, learned from and served older adults in a variety of capacities...all enjoyable. My experience is that, whenever groups of older consumers are allowed to become involved in their own destiny, success can be achieved in record time. On the other hand, the more they are catered to and cared for, the more disenchanted they become. With the aging of the population, oure organizations sitting on gold mines of wisdom and experience waiting to be mined. The future offers potential unlike anything we have experienced before as a nation.

We are nearing what Malcolm Gladwell called a tipping point. Organizaitons are beginning to understand that our nation is rapidly becoming more senior than junior for the first time in history. It is time to realize that older people know more about being young than young people know about being old...and they are willing to share that knowledge if given the opportunity.

Context Is Everything

For a couple decades, I have railed against terms like, elderly, senior citizen, and especially geezer when referring to older adults. Well, tonight I received an email from the father of the man who saved my life in Viet Nam. The email was entitled, Proud to be a Geezer! In this context, I have no problem with the term and think it is a pretty good descriptor of later life values - expecially when the world view is shared by a member of what Tom Brokaw called the Greatest Generation. In tribute to my dear friend, Frank Vavrin, I share his message:

"Geezers" (slang for an old man) are easy to spot:
At sporting events, during the playing of the National Anthem, Old Geezers remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them

Old Geezers remember the Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal,Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War 1950-53-55, The Cold War, the jet age, and the moon landing, the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing, not to mention Vietnam.

If you bump into an Old Geezer on the sidewalk, he will apologize.

If you pass an Old Geezer on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady.
Old Geezers trust strangers and are courtly to women.

Old Geezers hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.

Old Geezers get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like any filth on TV or in movies.
Old Geezers have moral courage. They seldom brag unless it's about their grandchildren.

It's the Old Geezers who know our great country is protected, not by politicians or police, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country.

This country needs Old Geezers with their decent values.

We need them now more than ever!
Thank God for Old Geezers!

Opening Conversations on Negative Stereotypes

                          When I first heard about the research behind YackPack,www.yackpack.com , I was intrigued that someone was focusing on the importance of emotion in building and growing positive relationships that simply isn't possible with email. I also thought this might be the technonogy that could be used to open a conversation about how to counter stereotpyes by creating groups of active, involved, knowledgeable older adults who are sick and tired of being portrayed as greedy, unproductive, and foolish drains on society,. I hope this will become one of the key tools used by those who are committed to changing the way we view later life and those qualified to enjoy it.

For awhile I was encouraged that times were changing as the national news media began carrying stories of the Baby Boom, until it hit me that in doing so they continue to ignore the millions of adults already beyond age 60 who are still intelligent, contributing, tax paying members of society who are driving much of the positive change; not the Boomers who are mostly still building careers, educating children and supporting familes. The first boomer will turn 60 January 1, 200t - not all 76 million as news stories would lead you to believe. "Boomers are turning 60 and reinventing retirement communities" a recent news story touted. In fact, most boomers want nothing to do with anything labelled retirement, senior etc...as do most current "seniors" still residing in homes of their own choosing and giving back to their communities.

Creating a YackPack of like minded adults to open and grow the conversation and encourage others to openly attack any business or organization openly perpetuating aging stereotypes by withholding their business while vocalizing their disgust and disappointment. Unlike email, a yackpack allows us to share emotions in our own voice with those we choose to invite into our groups. Right now the service is free for anyone wanting to connect with friends, fellow advocates, family member etc. As the use of yackpacks continue to grow, it will be interesting to view the age and interests of those setting up these focused, on-line, invitation only grooups of kindred spirits. I can ony hope that, like the population of the US, a majority will be older adults - and I further hope many will become evangelists preaching the gospel of positive aging.

Years ago a mentor told me there was only one thing I needed to remember in reaching out to and serving older adults - "Older people know more about being young; than the young know about being old." From what I've seen lately, there are a good deal of younger self-styled baby boom consultants who think they invented aging that should heed this advice. While there are many more of them and their life experiences are different than the generations ahead of them, the values that will serve baby boomers in life's second half are the same as those that served their parents...it is the attitudes and stereotypes that need changing...not a re-invention but a retiring of retirement is what is needed.