The number of adults aged 65 and older will reach 71.5 million people by 2030 representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population, according to estimates by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. Beginning in 2011 boomers are expected to spend an additional $50 billion over the next decade on consumer products in the U.S., estimates Sean Seitzinger, senior vice president of consulting and innovation for market-research firm Information Resources Inc. Given their growing physical limitations and focus on health-related products, “there will be dramatic shifts in what they buy and where they shop,” Mr. Seitzinger said.
“Worsening eyesight makes finding items more frustrating, arthritis complicates browsing and reduced balance intensifies the strain of stooping or reaching for products,” reports Ellen Byron for the Wall Street Journal. Bigger type faces, better lighting and improved shelf labeling are some of the solutions being implemented by retailers.
Click here to read the full story “Seeing Store Shelves Through Senior Eyes”.
