Friday, June 25, 2004

aging population = business opportunity

Back in March this year I wrote about a competition (with a $10,000 prize), being run in the US, to find the best business plan for making money from the aging population.

The current edition of the AARP bulletin reports on the winner and some of the other interesting ideas.

Firstly, some interesting facts from the article. US households headed by a person age 55 to 64 spend:

52% more than the national average on hotel and motel rooms
48% more on gifts
34% more on women’s clothing

On health care this group spends more than $3,000 a year, 28% more than the national average. This figure rises to 58% above average for householders age 65 and older. Source of this data is the Bureau of Labour Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey.

The winner of the competition MicroMRI, which sells a device that could dramatically improve the treatment of osteoporosis. About 44 million Americans over the age of 50 have low bone density, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, and one in two women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during her lifetime.

These are some of the other business ideas.

The Bag Lady Prevention Plan— a website with articles and a discussion forum for women over 50 who want security, fulfilment and fun.

The Never Aging Land Club—an exchange program for 50-plus adults who want to travel between North America and Japan.

Geometrique—High-heel shoes designed by Yale engineering students to minimize discomfort in the balls of the feet.

Wicking Sleepwear —Nightgowns and more made of fabric that "wicks" away moisture, for women experiencing hot flashes or anyone who sweats at night.

Festivals of the World —a travel agency that specializes in highly personalized service for 50-plus customers who want to visit the world's best festivals.

Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center— a facility in Hopkinton, N.H., that helps visitors prolong their quality of life and enjoy therapeutic benefits by horseback riding.

Dick Stroud: www.20plus30.com

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