Older Generation Primed to Buy

Today's older generation is ready to buy new technologies like never before. Not only does this colossal demographic have experience and interest in improving technology, they also number more than 91 million(with trillions in spending power). This equates to massive opportunity for tech companies, most of which have not catered to older adults before. This article highlights some interesting facts and marketing strategies that focus on adults over 50.

Tech giants target older buyers — and their cash
By: Laura Petrecca
USA Today
Nov. 29, 2007

"Today's older generation is primed to buy and consume new technologies like no previous group of seniors," says David Kelly, president of technology research company Upside Research.
Many 50-plus consumers "have been using personal computers and Sony Walkmans since they were 20 or 25 years old," he says. "They've spent years updating their cellphones, buying MP3 players, installing GPS navigators in their cars and shopping for the latest gadgets."
Combine that tech history with this demographic's colossal size (now more than 91 million) and its trillions in spending power — and it adds up to a massive sales opportunity for tech companies, most of which have not courted older adults before.
"Any company wanting to grow their business in the next 10 years better have a strategy for marketing to those 50-plus," warns Matt Thornhill, founder of baby-boomer-focused market research company Boomer Project....
The sheer number is leading many tech companies to hit the delete key on many stereotypes about "older" consumers — that they're cemented in existing buying patterns, that they're not active, that they're put off by anything with multiple buttons or keys....

http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2007-11-29-boomers-ads_N.htm?csp=34