You might remember that Mr. Boomer turned 60 last summer. Although it was a birthday with a zero that deserved extra celebration, we didn’t see it as a milestone. He now qualifies for senior pricing at more restaurants, but that’s about the only difference.Hearing Aids
Baby boomers are the generation that first had electric guitars and heavy metal music. So, I guess it’s not too much a stretch to presume hearing loss might be a problem for many. We actually may be purchasing hearing aids for Mr. Boomer this year, but at the local Costco instead of in response to a mailing.
Cremation Services
We thought it was funny the first time my husband received a targeted mailing for cremation services. The second time, we realized it wasn’t a fluke. I can’t imagine that many people of his generation are buying this in their early 60’s unless there’s a medical reason.
However, the odds will continually get better that the baby boomer population will need these services, if not for themselves than for aging parents.
Long Term Care Insurance
We are at the age (or a little past) to evaluate whether or not long term care insurance makes sense for us. We haven’t consciously decided not to get it; but we’re really making the decision by putting it off too long.
Who wants to deal with proof we’re not going to be healthy and self-sufficient forever?
———–$$$$$———–
I wonder what the next evolution in direct marketing will be for us. Knee replacements or scooters? Have you gotten any age-based mailings that seemed strange?
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You are absolutely right! I keep getting AARP membership solicitations, hearing aid solicitations, etc. Apparently it works! It is funny that 60s is nothing like I expected and I imagine 70s, 80s, and 90s will be the same. We all have an image or know someone who was that age when we were younger and it colors our thinking. I would like to think I am different from the image, but there lies the conflict. Society says we are old! Maybe the Baby Boomers can dispel the stereotype.
Krantcents, I think we will change the image of aging for all generations — although we are still old to the young folks.
I think it has a lot to do with what you read, too. I renewed a bunch of subscriptions all at one time and you wouldn’t believe the burst of junkmail that ensued for the next 2-3 weeks. Unreal.
JT, good point. We do belong to AARP so that’s probably how they know his age. However, we’ve belonged to them for ten years and never had this type of mail before!
I kid Mrs. 101 that she’s getting to be a little old lady at 51, what with all the AARP solicitations sent to her.
101 Centavos, it is disconcerting when you are actually old enough to be a member.
Most people overestimate the cost of a good long-term care policy. A healthy, married couple in their mid/late fifties, can share a policy that starts off with over a half million in benefits for about $100 per month per spouse.
There’s a new type of government-approved long-term care policy that can protect your assets from Medicaid even after the policy runs out of benefits.
Scott
Scott, I guess we only hear about the expensive policies. The pricing you mention is better than anything I’ve heard about.
Premiums do vary based upon health history and state of residence. It’s important to shop around and compare policies from several of the top companies.
Scott
I’m already getting AARP junk mail and I’m not even 40 yet! I guess they are assuming that I’ll need it soon; only 11 short years away from being eligible for a membership. 😉
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