Every 7.7 seconds someone in
United States turns 50. The 50+ population controls more than $7 trillion in wealth and is responsible for 50% of all discretionary spending. It purchases 41% of all new cars, buys 80% of all luxury travel, and is 30% more likely to purchase products online than younger users.
Yet, internet marketers often miss this rich potential market.
Perhaps they don't think older people are on web. However, older adults are often more "wired" than we think. Many seniors are coaxed into going online by their children or grandchildren. But, once they have logged on, many become eager Internet users. Plus, internet use is high among those over 50 who work and have college degrees.
Indeed, this group is more likely than younger Americans to be online on a typical day. Wired seniors say it has helped them connect better to loved ones and makes it easier to get information.
So, how do you reach them? First, recognize that over 50 crowd are not all alike. They are more diverse than any other market segment, spanning those at peak of their careers, to active, independent seniors, to elderly in need of care.
Here are some clues to communicating with and ultimately selling to new mature market.
1. Do not talk down to, or treat them as children, or remind them of their age. Most do not consider themselves "old." 2. Although there is disagreement about using words like "senior citizen," reserve such terms for World
