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When the final chapter on Baby Boomers is written, what will emerge as one of the most important and lasting accomplishments is their impact on ageism, particularly in the marketing arena. Size, wealth and a well-established tendency to create better lives as they age have enabled Baby Boomers to redefine life after 50 as a stage in which possibilities expand rather than retract. In doing so, Baby Boomers are the first generation to make it attractive, acceptable and profitable for brands to target people over 50. Increasingly, we are seeing mainstream marketers doing so; new opportunities continue to arise.
In 2015, for the first time in nearly two decades, Baby Boomers will have an ally in the fight against ageism, as Gen Xers begin entering the 50+ life stage and bring with them their own considerable consumer appeal. While stark differences have been drawn between Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, a closer examination of trailing edge Baby Boomers (ages 50-59) and Gen Xers reveals striking similarities that provide opportunities to successfully market to both groups simultaneously, and meaningfully.
Size & Spending PowerThere are 40 million trailing-edge Baby Boomers, and they have the highest household income among all Americans. There are 50 million Gen Xers, and they rival younger Baby Boomers in household income. Combined, these two groups represent the largest, highest-spending consumer block in America.
Forever YoungBoth groups refuse to define themselves by their age, and they ignore traditional limitations our society has placed on its aging citizens.
Blurred Generational Lines
According to a recent MetLife study on Gen X, nearly one-third of Gen Xers related more with the "Baby Boomer" label than with "Gen X" “ A 2009 study that found that one-third of the youngest Baby Boomers actually prefer to describe themselves as Gen X.
Responsible SpendingWhile Baby Boomers are further along, both groups are at an age where they are balancing their desire to spend now and their need to save for retirement.
Experience RulesBoth groups prioritize consumer experience over materialism, although for different reasons. Trailing edge Baby Boomers switched from valuing materialism to experiences as a result of the economic downturn. Gen X has always prioritized experiences since their lives never held the promise of financial security.
It is important to note that Gen X does not share some key Baby Boomer traits that 50+ marketers may have leveraged in the past, and marketing to these characteristics may alienate Gen X consumers.
Self-ImportanceMedia and marketers have conditioned Baby Boomers to feel important until they hit 50, whereas Gen X has typically been lampooned or ignored.
Optimistic Life OutlookWhile optimism is hardwired into the Baby Boomer DNA, Gen Xers can be skeptical and pessimistic — no surprise given that their childhoods were marked by high divorce rates, and their adulthoods rocked by repeated economic crises.
Desire to Make a DifferenceWhereas many younger Baby Boomers feel a personal responsibility to make society better for all, Gen Xers are not overly concerned with the mark they leave on society.
Baby Boomers have made considerable progress in promoting a positive image of life after 50, and marketers are starting to take note. Yet, there’s more work to be done. Too often, the word “old” is thrown around casually to discriminate against people simply on the basis of age.
As marketers, it is critical that we continue to educate brands on the value of marketing to consumers over age 50. With Gen X joining the fold next year, we must help brands understand the evolving opportunities of the valuable 50+ consumer landscape, and develop increasingly effective and efficient 50+ marketing strategies.
In 2015, for the first time in nearly two decades, Baby Boomers will have an ally in the fight against ageism, as Gen Xers begin entering the 50+ life stage and bring with them their own considerable consumer appeal. While stark differences have been drawn between Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, a closer examination of trailing edge Baby Boomers (ages 50-59) and Gen Xers reveals striking similarities that provide opportunities to successfully market to both groups simultaneously, and meaningfully.
Size & Spending PowerThere are 40 million trailing-edge Baby Boomers, and they have the highest household income among all Americans. There are 50 million Gen Xers, and they rival younger Baby Boomers in household income. Combined, these two groups represent the largest, highest-spending consumer block in America.
Forever YoungBoth groups refuse to define themselves by their age, and they ignore traditional limitations our society has placed on its aging citizens.
Blurred Generational Lines
According to a recent MetLife study on Gen X, nearly one-third of Gen Xers related more with the "Baby Boomer" label than with "Gen X" “ A 2009 study that found that one-third of the youngest Baby Boomers actually prefer to describe themselves as Gen X.
Responsible SpendingWhile Baby Boomers are further along, both groups are at an age where they are balancing their desire to spend now and their need to save for retirement.
Experience RulesBoth groups prioritize consumer experience over materialism, although for different reasons. Trailing edge Baby Boomers switched from valuing materialism to experiences as a result of the economic downturn. Gen X has always prioritized experiences since their lives never held the promise of financial security.
It is important to note that Gen X does not share some key Baby Boomer traits that 50+ marketers may have leveraged in the past, and marketing to these characteristics may alienate Gen X consumers.
Self-ImportanceMedia and marketers have conditioned Baby Boomers to feel important until they hit 50, whereas Gen X has typically been lampooned or ignored.
Optimistic Life OutlookWhile optimism is hardwired into the Baby Boomer DNA, Gen Xers can be skeptical and pessimistic — no surprise given that their childhoods were marked by high divorce rates, and their adulthoods rocked by repeated economic crises.
Desire to Make a DifferenceWhereas many younger Baby Boomers feel a personal responsibility to make society better for all, Gen Xers are not overly concerned with the mark they leave on society.
Baby Boomers have made considerable progress in promoting a positive image of life after 50, and marketers are starting to take note. Yet, there’s more work to be done. Too often, the word “old” is thrown around casually to discriminate against people simply on the basis of age.
As marketers, it is critical that we continue to educate brands on the value of marketing to consumers over age 50. With Gen X joining the fold next year, we must help brands understand the evolving opportunities of the valuable 50+ consumer landscape, and develop increasingly effective and efficient 50+ marketing strategies.
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