Alexis Abramson, PhD

With the rate of longevity rapidly increasing, we have the luxury of 30 Bonus YearsTM to embark on a journey of self reflection and personal growth. As more boomers reach the milestone age of 60, focus begins to shift from the outward world to the inward. Self-actualization, reflections on the meaning of life and the need to reach one’s full potential become more intense. This period of life presents a unique opportunity to say YES, chase your dreams and ultimately design your life in a way that provides fulfillment.

This motivational presentation inspires individuals to learn how they can thrive in this new era of increased vigor and extended life. The presentation helps the audience discover how an extended lifespan will change our lives, outlooks, vocations, relations and fiscal plans. In addition, the audience will be motivated (and moved) after hearing some of the phenomenal success stories of individuals who “reinvented” themselves and their lives after the age of 60!

There are over 44 million unpaid caregivers in the United States, 10 million of whom are millennials — almost 133 million people in the U.S. have one or more chronic condition and by 2020 this number is expected to increase to 157 million Americans. Nearly one in three U.S. households is involved in caring for a relative or friend aged 55 or older. Many caregivers are caught between the needs of their young families and the daunting task of caring for their elderly relatives. Watching a loved one grow old is filled with emotional upheaval, and when you compound that with other stresses —rush-hour traffic, deadlines, sick children, dirty laundry—caregivers are often left holding the bag. They feel a pressure to be all things to all people, often ending up as the martyr and giving themselves the short end of the stick. This witty presentation offers solutions by answering the seven key questions that a caregiver must face:

Our population is aging – but in a new and dynamic way. As the United States grows increasingly diverse, the mature population is becoming more racially and ethnically complex. The implications of gender, race and class on the life experiences of mature adults is of critical concern both in the U.S. and globally. Combined with advanced age, each of these influences increases the likelihood of health and social challenges in communities and organizations. Organizations must become committed to diversity with regard to their employees, products and services — knowledge is the first step in the right direction. Compelling research will be presented which illustrates how increased “diversity” among mature adults has heavily influenced their attitudes, values, perceptions, lifestyles, and opinions.

Over 80 million “baby boomers” were born between 1946 and 1964. Every 8 seconds someone in this country turns 65 years old and by 2050 there will be more than one million Americans turning 100. However, this aggressive, independent rock-and-roll generation is hardly ready to turn “senior.” With each new life stage comes new marketing opportunities, needs and motivations. As more boomers enter their prime earning years and throughout retirement, they are expected to exercise $3 trillion in “spending muscle.” Boomers control 70% of disposable income, over 77% of the country’s assets and research shows that they are prepared to spend it. For most people, the years between 55 and 65 represent a decade of change. Kids grow up and leave home, more money is available for travel and luxury goods, houses are traded in for condos and retirement sites beckon. Spending habits change accordingly.

For the first time in history, we now have four generations working alongside each other — the silent generation (born 1928-45), baby boomers (born 1946-64), generation X (born 1965-80), and generation Y/millennials (born 1981-96)— adding significant challenges to leadership and communication in the workplace.

The differences in each generation are often quite significant in a business environment. For example, when it comes to making decisions, members of the silent generation and baby boomers tend to take a more collaborative approach, often seeking buy-in for a given course of action prior to deciding. On the other hand, younger employees seem to embrace more risk, and make faster decisions with less suggestions/opinions.

Disruption and innovation are two words that traditionally have not been synonymous with aging. Howeve r, with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day and controlling over $3 trillion of the nation’s GDP, there has never been a greater need for disruptive ideas and innovative concepts. This requires businesses to exercise their visionary minds and become skilled in the ability to be trendsetters of the next “big thing” in aging. As new products and services are developed and existing ones adapted, learning to cater to this lucrative segment of the population is a must. This presentation explores the many aspects of the dynamic relationship between the “Graying of America” and the opportunities to start new businesses and/or adjust current offerings to support the vast demands of boomer consumers.

It is critical that your company be “boomer and mature-friendly” so that the 80 million 55+ population will be interested and drawn to purchase the products or services you are offering. The term “mature- friendly” describes a product, service or message that contains all of the components necessary to make it easier for a boomer or mature adult to utilize, understand and operate.

Dubbed the “me” generation, boomers grew up to become an ambitious and materialistic cohort who greatly value the finer things in life. Controlling over 77% of the country’s assets and 70% of its disposable income, this is not a generation that upscale brands should ignore. Roughly nine million baby boomers have a personal net worth of $1 million dollars or more and live in a household with an income of at least $250,000. This group of boomers control nearly one-quarter of total estimated net worth. Tapping into the unlimited spending power of this generation is key to successful luxury brand marketing.

Why are marketers obsessed with youth when women between 55 and 75 are the golden bull’s-eye of target marketing? This group is more educated, active and affluent than any preceding generation of women. Baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) make up 80 million, the largest generational demographic today. Among boomers, women not only outnumber men but also influence as much as 80% of household purchase decisions. In the next decade, women will control two-thirds of the consumer wealth in the United States. These women are not a niche market — they are the market for companies savvy enough to understand their life transitions, their needs and perceptions and their deep-seated hopes and fears.

The consumer behavior of mature adults often has more to do with their outlook on life than their chronological age. The physical, social and psychological changes people experience later in life shape their needs and wants. These events and circumstances give rise to four distinct consumer segments that each respond differently to marketing efforts. Perhaps no other consumer market justifies segmentation more than the mature market. The older people get, the more dissimilar they become with respect to their needs, lifestyles, and consumption habits. Yet many businesses still treat everyone aged 55+ in the same way. When people experience major life events, they often change their outlook on life as they re-evaluate their wants, goals and roles on both personal and consumer levels. As they go through these changes, not only do older consumers’ needs for products change, but so do their perceptions of and responses to advertisements and promotions.

The emerging “Graying of America” will heavily impact the condition of our current government systems of finance, health, long-term care and support. Sixty-nine percent of persons who live to age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Long-term care is the sum of health, finances, social, housing, transportation, and other supportive services needed by those with physical, mental, or cognitive limitations that compromise independent living.

There are over 44 million caregivers in the United States and 10,000 people turn 65 every day. Almost 133 million people in the U.S. have one or more chronic condition and by 2020 this number is expected to increase to 157 million Americans. Nearly 31% of U.S. households are involved in caring for a relative or friend who is ill or disabled. Caregiving is largely a women’s issue with over 75% of caregivers being female, mostly wives and adult daughters. The aggregate “cost of caregiving” in lost productivity and absenteeism to United States businesses is between $13.4 and $25.2 billion per year.

Dr. Abramson is more than happy to create a custom presentation specifically designed with your organization in mind. Having worked in the field of Gerontology for over 25 years she is able to speak on a myriad of topics including health, social, business, generational trends, lifestyle, telecommunications, finance, retirement, technology, retail, hospitality, sales, etc.