Zoomers By 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 Million Baby Boomers Born Million Generation X Born Million Generation Y/ Millenials Born Million

7,918 Americans turn 60 each day. 330 every hour or 4 million a year in In 20 years, the age profile of America will match that of Florida about 1:5 Americans will be older than 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.

Zoomers 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. 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.

Implications 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 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 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 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