The senior class must be a very lucrative market for certain kinds of businesses. Many products that I’ve heard of, or read about, openly target those of us who are in our later years. Some of them even call out “Attention Seniors!”
While I realize that advertising in the media is necessary for retailers to sell their merchandise, I only wish that we could also be made aware of some positive things that are available to us, rather than the focus on our aches, pains and medical supplies.
For example, we have been bombarded during the past year with ads for hearing aids, even flyers arriving in our mail boxes. There must be a huge demand for these devices, as well as some pretty stiff competition. One company actually offers: “Two for the price of one”.
I hope you agree that it’s important to be informed about the location of stores and outlets that sell the products and devices that we require. However, to hammer away endlessly on the same old subject, loses its punch and effectiveness, in my opinion. By this time in our lives we all know how to find the information we need through our doctors, family and friends. This approach also helps us to gain recommendations.
I’m curious why the media is so eager to call our attention to canes, wheelchairs, hemorrhoids, walkers, knee supports, dentures, bladder control and so on. If seniors are such good customers, I wonder why we don’t see more advertisements for such things as discount travel packages, concert tickets, hotels with senior accommodations, restaurants that cater to seniors, books and movies with a “senior rating.” transportation available at special rates and senior tours.
Beauty products for senior ladies would be nice to see in the media, also golf courses that welcome our over 65 group. And in the clothing department, most of the magazines and catalogs feature men and women under age 30 as models. What about us? We have a social life too… Hello!
For whatever reason, it seems that senior citizens are being ignored in certain retail and service areas. Yet overall, we are the customers who probably have the most purchasing power. I’m sure we would gladly show our proof of age to those businesses that offered special deals to our senior class in the fields of auto repair, golf lessons, photography, barber shops, music lessons, computers, art classes or cooking tips. I believe you can teach an old dog a new trick!
We could use a few more advantages for seniors besides handicapped parking. How about an “over 65” fashion show for the ladies? Or a work-out gym called “Sixty Five and Fit”? A seniors only collectables show might draw a good crowd, so would karaoke night for those of us in the mature category. And why not a senior audition for American Idol?
I would also like to know where there is a good place for seniors to go dancing. I intend to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative as I continue on the road of life – going my way?
Nevada resident Carolyn Schneider is the author of the book, “Bing: On the Road to Elko”, about her uncle Bing Crosby, and his 15 years as a Nevada cattle rancher. She may be reached at artist71635@msn.com.