Techno Elders: Don’t Miss This Fast Growing Market
The elderly population in the US is ready to zoom to 20%.
According to the US government, the number of people over 65 in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as in 2000, growing from 35 million to 71.5 million and representing nearly 20 percent of the total US population.
They Are Buying Technology
Did you know that 11% of households run by people over 65 have gaming units? Yes, they bowl on Wii – unlike kids today, seniors know how to bowl. NPR’s On the Media did a great segment on accessibility design in gaming, which mentions the needs of seniors.
Back in 1997 seniors were the fastest-growing demographic on the Internet. Just as our kids are comfortable with technology, so now are our elders. They have resources, shop online, and participate in social networks (here are 50 social networks for seniors.) And, they are a growing segment.
So, are you designing your marketing experience for seniors?
This Market Has Special Product Needs
Consider the Go Computer, designed for grandparents. It has accessibility factors, such as larger keys with some color coding on them. It has easy magnification on a large, bright screen.
Since the data is stored on the Net, it’s always backed up. And for a small fee the firm provides system upgrades, virus protection, and all the things that make computers seem more like pets to be fed than everyday tools.
What other services or items are ripe for senior marketing? Music? Beauty products? In my case, I hope to retire and spin and DJ in the London underground. Providing I can find a mix console with really big buttons on it.
The future of digital experiences will be built by strategists who grasp the full array of emerging business, social, and technical models. Specialties in user experience, branding, application design, and data science are laying the foundation for richer user experiences and business models breakthrough products and revenue based marketing.