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In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a Cultural Revolution brewing in America. Many people were  products of war, despair and the Great Depression and so they all longed for days of peace, love and the American dream.

Young people were busy then, brimming with ideals about clean air, clean water, a cleaner Many have assumed the largest generation in US history, as it moves up the age escalator will be the healthiest generation of aging adults because they grew up in wealthier times, exercised more, smoked less, and were more knowledgeable about health. This assumption has been proven wrong.

Studying the dynamics of health of this population is more challenging than any other generation due to their size, composition, earlier life experiences, and exposure to differing historical events.

For instance, there is an apparent paradox in the trends of increasing exercise levels and a significant rise in obesity over the last few decades. In order to explain these two differing patterns, changes in leisure-time physical activity, work-related activity, eating habits, fast-food super-sizing, and environmental factors influencing healthy lifestyles are taken into account. So even if the boomer generation as a whole is increasing their exercise levels, the eating habits of North Americans, and in particular, the quantity and quality of fast-food consumption both in restaurants and at home cancels out the benefits of any healthy exercise regime.

We live in a pressure-cooker technological world of high prices, advertising, TV, cell phones, taxes, pollution, long work hours, dual wage earner families, occupational disruptions, and affordable housing shortages. These factors contribute to a fast pace of living and thus higher obesity in conjunction with the availability of cheap but poor quality fast foods.

Overweight and obese “baby boomers” are entering their senior years with weight-related problems that are plaguing their “golden years” with problems, increasing the need for nursing homes and medical care. 62% of 50-64 year olds claim to have at least one of the following obesity related chronic conditions: heart disease, hypertension, cancer, arthritis and high cholesterol.

Already faced with a nursing care shortage in America, experts are projecting a need for an additional 10-25 percent of nursing home care, and an explosion in weight-related Type 2 diabetes. Studies show that overweight parents are also producing, via poor eating habits and lack of exercise regimens, overweight children with an increase of Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes, where in both cases the body has trouble controlling blood sugar due to problems with insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar.

Baby boomers as a generation are defined as trend-setters; so why not lead the pack by getting 30 minutes of exercise every day, cutting down on fatty foods, double your portions of fruits and veggies and show your children how to lead a fitter, healthier life.

Boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit.

For Boomeryearbook.com

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With the current economic downturn, more boomers and seniors are searching for reassurance and relief on the web – not only for a kind of financial first aid but also for healthy outlets for their time and energy.  In addition, they are finding the web to be less a mystery and more of a tool to make their lives meaningful and productive.

The volume of information on the Internet, however, can be overwhelming.  I’ve reviewed thousands of web sites to find user-friendly and relevant resources for inclusion in my Boomer search engine. To compile my Top 10 list of trustworthy, informative, and enjoyable sites for 2009, I’ve selected the sites that I’ve revisited many times. I’m sure you too, will find them invaluable in this upcoming year.

1.    Grandparents.com, www.grandparents.com

Where it’s “great to be grand”!

The grandkids are coming over and you’re panicking?  How can you entertain them?

Look no further than Grandparents.com, “the place for today’s new generation of active, involved grandparents.”

Among the volumes of information supplied are assorted age-appropriate and weather-appropriate “things to do” (even in dozens of cities) including suggestions that won’t cost thrifty grandparents a dime.  Mix in travel, gift (find the perfect toy), video, and food suggestions (you even might be inspired to cook with your little darlings).   Take advantage of expert advice on family, education, law, finance and health and get a peek into the psyche of celebrity grandparents.  You’ll get a treasure trove of information.This is one site you won’t want to leave home or stay home without.

2.    Dynamic Living, www.dynamic-living.com

Where can you find photographed independent living aids displayed boldly and accurately?

Protected by the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, Dynamic Living consumers shop either by use (moving around, sitting/standing, vision, communication, care giving, memory) or by location (car, kitchen, bathroom).

I like this site for its clarity, simplicity, readability, references and responsiveness:

Clarity:  A photograph accompanies each item.  In addition to general information, you are provided with exact specifications and related articles.  Everything, including policies, is stated in the easiest, most understandable language.

Simplicity:   The items are pre-selected by the team at Dynamic Living who aim to “make living at home a little easier.”

Readability:  The bold font is large and readable against a light background.

References:  Dynamic Living refers its users off-site for more technical products.

Responsiveness: Should you have any questions, either Ask Gladys (by email or by phone) or read how others are living easier.

Two warnings:  See what other customers recommend but select well to avoid restocking charges. Also, customer service operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST only.

3.  Elderlawanswers, www.elderlawanswers.com

Get your age-driven legal questions answered on Elderlaw.

Elderlaw covers Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estate planning.  Elderlaw 101 dumbs down additional topics, including veterans benefits, so you don’t need to have a law degree to understand.  Find state-specific information and an attorney or listen to ElderLaw radio (today’s featured show is “Finding the Money to Age Well.”).

4.  Nolo, www.nolo.com

Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo. Acclaimed as the “best legal self-help site on the web” (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legal terms in simple common language.  This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law—and it’s free!  For example, I can find step-by-step instructions, such as making a will:

(1)         Decide what property to include in the will

(2)         Decide who will inherit the property

(3)         Choose an executor to handle the estate

However, should I find my situation too complicated for a simple, I know that I can purchase the forms, legal kits and books for a modest fee. Get your affairs in order with ease and according to the current law.

5.   CNN’s Money, www.money.cnn.com

CNN’s Money has long been one of my web darlings.  Money 101 explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand and the spacing makes the text extremely readable.  For more difficult concepts, refer to the videos.

I head straight for the “Ultimate Guide to Retirement” (Retirement) for practical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions, insurance, estate planning and Social Security.  Find out where and from whom you can get help.  Educate yourself, make plans and put your worries aside.

6.    Caring Connections, www.caringinfo.com

When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly came across Caring Connections.  I found that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website to expeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information they want so that they can make the best decisions given their circumstances.    Users begin by simply indicating the group they fall into:

- Those planning ahead   
– Those caring for someone 
– Those living with illness 
– Those grieving.

Unfortunately the gray and lavender text on white background is not easy on aging eyes but the site does allow for effortless increase in text size.  And most of the links displayed using more contrast.The information is comprehensive and straightforward.  Find glossaries, checklists and organization tools.   Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state’s advance directive without delay.

7.    USA. Gov, www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml

Thank goodness our tax dollars are working.  The US government has provided a huge number of useful references for citizens and visitors.  Arrange to be notified by email when policies or laws change.

Enlarge the text (top right-hand corner), use the search box and get assistance for caregiving, consumer protection, employment, end-of-life, health, money and taxes, retirement, travel and more.

Find your representatives.  Turn up your volume and view and listen to an easy presentation on how you can access government information.  Shop government auctions and sales.  Apply for benefits and grants. Locate in-person services near you.  Email or speak to a real-live person using toll-free numbers.

8.    Drug Digest, www.drugdigest.org

Drug Digest is “an educational, nonbiased drug information site dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about trade name and generic” drugs and about treatment options.

This site is a fabulous tool for comparing drugs and checking interactions.  Learn not only about your drug, vitamin or supplement but also what the pill should look like (photos provided)—so you are absolutely certain you are taking the correct medication.

Enter all your drugs to check interactions with each other and with food and alcohol. Learn how to take your medication most effectively. Compare your drugs and their side effects. Find your health condition and consider many of the treatment options. Tried of paying high prices for brand name drugs?  See if you can save with generics or similar, less expensive medicines. Make your own medication/emergency contact card. Refer often to the checklist provided so that you are mindful about missing doses, proper storage, what to avoid, lifestyle restrictions and when to report to your doctor.

9.  Vibrant Nation, www.vibrantnation.com

Stephen Reily, founder of Vibrant Nation, is a rare commodity, a man who understands women and what they want and need.  On an attractive, readable and easy to maneuver site, his all-female panel of experts assists 50+ women exchange information. Here you can ask and answer questions, share or find recommendations or participate in a conversation.  Women can reveal their favorite things on “love it lists” or reflect on things that make their lives better on “live it lists.”

10.  50+Fabulous, www.50fabulous.com

50+Fabulous is intended to share ideas and motivate women to go after and achieve their dreams in spite of generations of barriers.  In addition to its cadre of experts and guest columnists, this attractive and comprehensive site covers topics in timely articles such as those on life, work, love, food and wine, dating and style.

Find out how our generation of women has reinvented itself.  And reach out to like-minded women.  You’re not alone.

2009, Boomer's, Seniors, websites Hide

With the current economic downturn, more boomers and seniors are searching for reassurance and relief on the web – not only for a kind of financial first aid but also for healthy outlets for their time and energy.  In addition, they are finding the web to be less a mystery and more of a tool to make their lives meaningful and productive.

The volume of information on the Internet, however, can be overwhelming.  I’ve reviewed thousands of web sites to find user-friendly and relevant resources for inclusion in my Boomer search engine. To compile my Top 10 list of trustworthy, informative, and enjoyable sites for 2009, I’ve selected the sites that I’ve revisited many times. I’m sure you too, will find them invaluable in this upcoming year.

1.    Grandparents.com, www.grandparents.com

Where it’s “great to be grand”!

The grandkids are coming over and you’re panicking?  How can you entertain them?

Look no further than Grandparents.com, “the place for today’s new generation of active, involved grandparents.”

Among the volumes of information supplied are assorted age-appropriate and weather-appropriate “things to do” (even in dozens of cities) including suggestions that won’t cost thrifty grandparents a dime.  Mix in travel, gift (find the perfect toy), video, and food suggestions (you even might be inspired to cook with your little darlings).   Take advantage of expert advice on family, education, law, finance and health and get a peek into the psyche of celebrity grandparents.  You’ll get a treasure trove of information.This is one site you won’t want to leave home or stay home without.

2.    Dynamic Living, www.dynamic-living.com

Where can you find photographed independent living aids displayed boldly and accurately?

Protected by the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, Dynamic Living consumers shop either by use (moving around, sitting/standing, vision, communication, care giving, memory) or by location (car, kitchen, bathroom).

I like this site for its clarity, simplicity, readability, references and responsiveness:

Clarity:  A photograph accompanies each item.  In addition to general information, you are provided with exact specifications and related articles.  Everything, including policies, is stated in the easiest, most understandable language.

Simplicity:   The items are pre-selected by the team at Dynamic Living who aim to “make living at home a little easier.”

Readability:  The bold font is large and readable against a light background.

References:  Dynamic Living refers its users off-site for more technical products.

Responsiveness: Should you have any questions, either Ask Gladys (by email or by phone) or read how others are living easier.

Two warnings:  See what other customers recommend but select well to avoid restocking charges. Also, customer service operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST only.

3.  Elderlawanswers, www.elderlawanswers.com

Get your age-driven legal questions answered on Elderlaw.

Elderlaw covers Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estate planning.  Elderlaw 101 dumbs down additional topics, including veterans benefits, so you don’t need to have a law degree to understand.  Find state-specific information and an attorney or listen to ElderLaw radio (today’s featured show is “Finding the Money to Age Well.”).

4.  Nolo, www.nolo.com

Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo. Acclaimed as the “best legal self-help site on the web” (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legal terms in simple common language.  This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law—and it’s free!  For example, I can find step-by-step instructions, such as making a will:

(1)         Decide what property to include in the will

(2)         Decide who will inherit the property

(3)         Choose an executor to handle the estate

However, should I find my situation too complicated for a simple, I know that I can purchase the forms, legal kits and books for a modest fee. Get your affairs in order with ease and according to the current law.

5.   CNN’s Money, www.money.cnn.com

CNN’s Money has long been one of my web darlings.  Money 101 explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand and the spacing makes the text extremely readable.  For more difficult concepts, refer to the videos.

I head straight for the “Ultimate Guide to Retirement” (Retirement) for practical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions, insurance, estate planning and Social Security.  Find out where and from whom you can get help.  Educate yourself, make plans and put your worries aside.

6.    Caring Connections, www.caringinfo.com

When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly came across Caring Connections.  I found that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website to expeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information they want so that they can make the best decisions given their circumstances.    Users begin by simply indicating the group they fall into:

- Those planning ahead   
– Those caring for someone 
– Those living with illness 
– Those grieving.

Unfortunately the gray and lavender text on white background is not easy on aging eyes but the site does allow for effortless increase in text size.  And most of the links displayed using more contrast.The information is comprehensive and straightforward.  Find glossaries, checklists and organization tools.   Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state’s advance directive without delay.

7.    USA. Gov, www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml

Thank goodness our tax dollars are working.  The US government has provided a huge number of useful references for citizens and visitors.  Arrange to be notified by email when policies or laws change.

Enlarge the text (top right-hand corner), use the search box and get assistance for caregiving, consumer protection, employment, end-of-life, health, money and taxes, retirement, travel and more.

Find your representatives.  Turn up your volume and view and listen to an easy presentation on how you can access government information.  Shop government auctions and sales.  Apply for benefits and grants. Locate in-person services near you.  Email or speak to a real-live person using toll-free numbers.

8.    Drug Digest, www.drugdigest.org

Drug Digest is “an educational, nonbiased drug information site dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about trade name and generic” drugs and about treatment options.

This site is a fabulous tool for comparing drugs and checking interactions.  Learn not only about your drug, vitamin or supplement but also what the pill should look like (photos provided)—so you are absolutely certain you are taking the correct medication.

Enter all your drugs to check interactions with each other and with food and alcohol. Learn how to take your medication most effectively. Compare your drugs and their side effects. Find your health condition and consider many of the treatment options. Tried of paying high prices for brand name drugs?  See if you can save with generics or similar, less expensive medicines. Make your own medication/emergency contact card. Refer often to the checklist provided so that you are mindful about missing doses, proper storage, what to avoid, lifestyle restrictions and when to report to your doctor.

9.  Vibrant Nation, www.vibrantnation.com

Stephen Reily, founder of Vibrant Nation, is a rare commodity, a man who understands women and what they want and need.  On an attractive, readable and easy to maneuver site, his all-female panel of experts assists 50+ women exchange information. Here you can ask and answer questions, share or find recommendations or participate in a conversation.  Women can reveal their favorite things on “love it lists” or reflect on things that make their lives better on “live it lists.”

10.  50+Fabulous, www.50fabulous.com

50+Fabulous is intended to share ideas and motivate women to go after and achieve their dreams in spite of generations of barriers.  In addition to its cadre of experts and guest columnists, this attractive and comprehensive site covers topics in timely articles such as those on life, work, love, food and wine, dating and style.

Find out how our generation of women has reinvented itself.  And reach out to like-minded women.  You’re not alone.

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A second career is what many Baby Boomers need today. At the current life expectancies in most parts of the world, people retiring at 60 could look forward to at least 20 more years. Although it’s normal for retiring Boomers to look forward to a life of leisure day in and day out, the reality is that it gets old too soon. With the current economic recession, the need for retirement jobs has intensified ten-fold.

With declining 401K’s and the very real prospect of outliving their retirement funds, Boomers should include a job or a second career in their retirement plans. Here are some options for a second career for those 60 and older:

1. Consulting. Management and financial consulting is an attractive prospect for those with the right combination of education and experience. Boomers who are retired from banking, mortgage, and other similar industries would do well providing advisory services. Experience and connections are formidable.

2. Small business. Most people holding down nine-to-five jobs have hobbies for diversion they do on down times. It’s not unusual for a corporate executive to be into photography and painting. If you’re already into crafts or can bake pastries your friends and family keep raving about, you might consider turning that hobby into a small business.

3. Non-profits. People retired from for-profit organizations are excellent choices for positions in non-profit organizations. Again, the combination of experience and connections can serve a charity organization well, whether it needs funding or better management or strategic planning.

4. Customer Service industry. The customer service industry can provide a challenging and fun way for service-oriented professionals. Collections agents, technical support, and customer service representatives are excellent second jobs for retirees and they can do it from home, too. The good thing is you can do it full-time or part-time.

5. Medical transcription. It’s also one of the growing industries. In recent years, medical transcriptionists have grown to include independent contractors working from home. Military spouses are finding this to be a good profession as they can do it without interruption even when they have to change home addresses. And boomers can definitely do it, too.

Recession and Rehiring Options

With the economic downturn, it helps to look into options that remain viable despite the recession.

1. Government jobs. Since governments are infusing stimulus packages into the local economy, expect to see a surge in government jobs from social services, homeland security, and environmental jobs. That presents rich opportunities for second careers.

2. Teaching and education jobs. Retirees from the corporate world with master’s degrees match their technical education with practical experience. They’d make very good teachers, trainers, or mentors for young aspirants. Experts in electronics and other applied sciences can become excellent trainers for skills training in community centers. With many people displaced by companies closing down, there’s bound to be a surge of adult students returning to colleges or looking for enhanced skills trainings.

3. Healthcare jobs. The healthcare industry is one recession-proof industry. Hospitals, hospices, assisted living facilities and nursing homes will continue to be a rich niche for jobseekers no matter the economic situation.

Boomer's, career, Look, Options, Rehiring, Second Hide

A second career is what many Baby Boomers need today. At the current life expectancies in most parts of the world, people retiring at 60 could look forward to at least 20 more years. Although it’s normal for retiring Boomers to look forward to a life of leisure day in and day out, the reality is that it gets old too soon. With the current economic recession, the need for retirement jobs has intensified ten-fold.

With declining 401K’s and the very real prospect of outliving their retirement funds, Boomers should include a job or a second career in their retirement plans. Here are some options for a second career for those 60 and older:

1. Consulting. Management and financial consulting is an attractive prospect for those with the right combination of education and experience. Boomers who are retired from banking, mortgage, and other similar industries would do well providing advisory services. Experience and connections are formidable.

2. Small business. Most people holding down nine-to-five jobs have hobbies for diversion they do on down times. It’s not unusual for a corporate executive to be into photography and painting. If you’re already into crafts or can bake pastries your friends and family keep raving about, you might consider turning that hobby into a small business.

3. Non-profits. People retired from for-profit organizations are excellent choices for positions in non-profit organizations. Again, the combination of experience and connections can serve a charity organization well, whether it needs funding or better management or strategic planning.

4. Customer Service industry. The customer service industry can provide a challenging and fun way for service-oriented professionals. Collections agents, technical support, and customer service representatives are excellent second jobs for retirees and they can do it from home, too. The good thing is you can do it full-time or part-time.

5. Medical transcription. It’s also one of the growing industries. In recent years, medical transcriptionists have grown to include independent contractors working from home. Military spouses are finding this to be a good profession as they can do it without interruption even when they have to change home addresses. And boomers can definitely do it, too.

Recession and Rehiring Options

With the economic downturn, it helps to look into options that remain viable despite the recession.

1. Government jobs. Since governments are infusing stimulus packages into the local economy, expect to see a surge in government jobs from social services, homeland security, and environmental jobs. That presents rich opportunities for second careers.

2. Teaching and education jobs. Retirees from the corporate world with master’s degrees match their technical education with practical experience. They’d make very good teachers, trainers, or mentors for young aspirants. Experts in electronics and other applied sciences can become excellent trainers for skills training in community centers. With many people displaced by companies closing down, there’s bound to be a surge of adult students returning to colleges or looking for enhanced skills trainings.

3. Healthcare jobs. The healthcare industry is one recession-proof industry. Hospitals, hospices, assisted living facilities and nursing homes will continue to be a rich niche for jobseekers no matter the economic situation.

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On almost a daily basis, as Sandwiched Boomers, you are bombarded by a variety of tasks involving aging parents and growing children. In addition, you’re balancing a myriad of responsibilities at home with those that confront you at work. And that’s without mentioning your ongoing commitment to staying healthy, losing weight and exercising regularly. Just thinking about your hectic lifestyle can stop you in your tracks. If you find yourself in this predicament and are feeling the time crunch, follow these guidelines:

1. Take a deep breath and let go of negative thoughts about yourself in relation to getting stuff done. Actively dispute the notion that you are lazy, apathetic or can’t get a handle on the process. Choose a simple affirmation or a mantra that rings true for you – such as yes I can – and repeat it often, out loud and with conviction. Give yourself an emotional break and watch what happens.

2. Make a start, any start. Buy a journal or borrow one of the notebooks your son isn’t using and do your homework. Write out some specific goals and break them down into smaller, more manageable short term objectives. Reflect on their purpose and what that means to you. Consider the character strengths and personal resources you have that will help you achieve your goals.

3. Create weekly or even daily to-do lists. For example, if a regular exercise program is your ultimate goal, begin by penciling in a 20 minute walk twice a week after carpool or during your lunch hour. Organization and planning may sound like dirty words. But the more you concretize what you plan to do, the greater the chances are that you’ll follow through with your intentions.

4. Lower your expectations – and, for sure, don’t expect anything near perfection. Actually, there is no perfection, so relax. Start out small and accept baby steps. If Aunt Bess has moved into the nursing home across town, your only choices aren’t either to go daily or not at all. Pile the kids in the car one Sunday a month and enjoy an hour in the park with her and your family.

5. Give up the pleasure principle – that is, having exactly what you want when you want it. Next time you eat out, instead of finishing up with apple pie a la mode, visualize a thinner you in that little black dress at your upcoming 30th high school reunion. Delaying immediate gratification for future goals will lead to your feeling better about yourself and will nourish you way beyond your last bite of dessert.

6. Make a public commitment to family members who want to see you succeed. By telling others about your intentions, you create a stronger reality that will keep you feeling motivated. Engage friends in your pursuit of getting into better shape – talk with one of the guys at work and make a pledge to hit the gym together three times a week.

7. Notice and savor your newfound power. Positive reinforcement is a major tenet of any behavior modification program. So reward yourself for a job well done – choose an activity that nurtures you, like a massage or a trip to the spa. This sort of attitude will sustain you as well as promote greater self care. And as your goals take shape, you’ll shape up.

Take it slow and easy. With so much on your plate, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. If some days you make plans and can’t follow through, don’t let frustration sap your enthusiasm. Remember all those New Year’s resolutions you made when you were younger and didn’t know better? And think about the inertia that followed the failure of your short-lived goals. Don’t fall victim to that kind of logic. Look well beyond the present moment – and resolve that you are making progress, that you are getting closer to your goals and that every day is a new opportunity.

(C) Her Mentor Center, 2008

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Baby boomers are lining up to pay hundreds of dollars to remove unwanted wrinkles, blemishes and hair. With so many of them eager to pay for these services perhaps there is an untapped market in the <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/NursingHomes.aspx>senior apartment</a> and <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/AssistedLivingFacilities.aspx>assisted living industry</a>.

Several medical spas claim that baby boomers make up a good portion of their business. CNN stated that In 2004, there were about 750 medi spas in the United States, but by the end of 2006 there could be as many as 2,500.

Removal of Wrinkles, Sunspots, Unsightly Veins and Unwanted Hair Along with Your Weekly Physical Therapy

Besides offering physical therapy and 24-hour nurses and physicians, the senior living industry could benefit from having a medi-spa on site.
Since many people are working past their 60s and living longer these days, it’s no wonder that many baby boomers want to continue looking their best. They perhaps don’t feel “old” so why should they look it.

A medi-spa can include laser treatments usually take between 30 and 40 minutes and range from laser hair and vein removal techniques to wrinkle-reducing Juvederm or Restylane injections to chemical skin peels that restore sun-damaged skin. Prices for services generally range from $50 to $500. When you think about your average doctor’s appointment cost, a medi-spa treatment is at least twice that amount.

Many seniors looking to lead active lifestyles and still look great would think twice about having a senior living facility with a medi-spa on site verses without.

Baby boomers are not ready to be considered “old” and are moving towards healthy lifestyles in so many ways, be it exercise, nutrition and overall appearance.

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Most often, people view the picture of baby boomers like a monolith-everyone is identical. But the truth is the generation of Baby Boomers are slightly distinct from each other.

The Staff Writer of The Christian Science Monitor, Kim Campbell, featured in her report last January 26, 2005 the baby Boomer in his mid-50s, Jerry Benston, an African-American New Yorker.

According to him, while he was a college student in 1968, the university where he studied proposed to have a more diverse culture.

He recalled that he was one of those who protested. His reason, as a Baby Boomer he wants to help in raising awareness regarding the significant issues in the society nowadays.

One of these significant issues is the Baby Boomers and how people view them in general terms.

Looking at the outer surface, what you will commonly notice with these Baby Boomers are their similarities. For instance, that several of them survived in the Vietnam War, lived during the era of civil rights, and that their generations were the first ones to grow with television.

All of these events which they shared are part of the history, and you can discern it by simply browsing a book in history, or by just surfing through the internet. Unlike distinguishing their difference from each other, this is commonly not evident on their image in public.    

According to researchers including the advocates, it is vital to avoid generalizations that mirror the 79 Million groups of retirees. The purpose of this is to understand the diversity of Boomers in economic lines, across age, in ethnic, and so on, thus their actions as well as their needs will be accurately assessed.

Duke University Professor and Author of current Boomer Lives Analysis, Elizabeth Hughes stated that reports reveal the inequality of income or wealth of the Boomers. And this directly suggests that while the other Boomers lived a well off life during their retirement, there are some who live a life packed with struggles.

The media are used in portraying that Boomers are homogenous. Most of their reports suggest that all of them have common upbringings, that all are married and have their children, wealthy, and well-educated.

There is an argument created by Hughes and the others that if people will persist on perceiving the boomers in excessive general terms, the effect will be reflected on their retirement policies, and this is viewed negatively.

In addition, taking the Boomers in over general term hides the truth that concerns the group. According to Hughes, diversity among the group only mirrors the society.

Sarah Zapolsky, a researcher of boomer diversity said that most of these people who perceive boomers in too general terms seem to convey that the 79 Million Boomers will all retire in just one day.

“This example clearly reveals the fallacy of perceiving the boomers as a single unit,” Zapolsky added.  

The clear example of boomers’ diversity is the range of their age. Certain researches show that Boomers does not only cover one generation, they cover even more. For this reason, their spans may possibly range to 19 years; hence, if there are some grandparents’ boomers already, some boomer might still have a preschool kid.

Another example of Boomer diversity stated by Zapolsky is shown in their different backgrounds in ethnic and culture. For instance, this can be reflected on the way they take care of their parents who are already aging. Some may choose to have a Medicare rather than taking a nurse to care for their parents, while some may not.

There are researches already that show that the inequality of Baby Boomers persists on their education and riches. According to Hughes, the blacks’ incomes now are higher as compared to the earlier generations, and there were some who already shifted to the middle strata.

But she added that if it will be viewed on the utmost perspective, there is really no improvement on these black boomers condition as compared to the whites.

The President of Generational Targeted Marketing, Ann Fishman, explained the reason why the diversity among Boomers is not widely talked about. This is because the characteristics that identify Boomers are not viewed very important.

Probably, the public viewed these Boomers like a monolith, but Baby Boomers will remain diverse as they are popularly recognized.

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Much attention has been fixed on the potential needs of the “baby boomer generation” which will be reaching its maturity in about the year 2013. Baby boomers are those described as having been born between 1946 and 1964, considered to be the largest generation in decades. Healthcare providers around the world concerned about the ability of current healthcare systems to take care of their medical needs.

Baby boomers are likely to face a multitude of health and medical issues, the most common including:

Orthopedic – hip and knee problems Obesity – weight related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke Preventive care and maintenance – cancer screening, mammograms, diagnostic testing Anti aging issues – cosmetic and plastic surgery, anti aging and aging maintenance Mental health – stress management, depression Cardiac care

Health Care Providers Face Growing Demands
Baby boomers are naturally concerned about the availability of healthcare services in the future.  Rising healthcare costs, longer wait times, higher deductibles, and an increasing number of physicians hesitant to add new patients to their already overburdened patient rosters leave many seniors facing a health care dilemma. Health care providers are already overwhelmed by the demands of today’s consumers, and face shortages in nursing, general practice physicians and service providers not only in the United States, but around the world.

Large parts of elderly populations around the world don’t seek medical care because they are either uncovered by medical insurance or there and not enough service providers to provide for their growing and sometimes complex needs. However, the  health tourism industry is an option available to seniors today and well into the future.

Health and Wellness Tourism
Health and wellness tourism is a growing trend in the medical and health care industry, as it offers individuals choices and options regarding quality and affordable care in a variety of international destinations around the world.

International medical care has become nearly synonymous with vacation travel to many state-of- the-art, world-class, and famous tourist destinations around the world. Formerly limited traditional medical destinations such as India, Thailand and Singapore have blossomed with growth in the 21st century  with newer, high-tech, and world-class facilities located in destinations from the Ukraine, Turkey, and Jordan, to South Africa, the Mediterranean, Switzerland, South America, and new Asian destinations such as South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia.

Big Savings
Baby boomers traveling to international destinations may save tens of thousands of dollars on the same treatments performed in the U.S., Canada and Britain, while it the same time receiving state of the art, high-tech and qualified care. For example, single heart bypass surgery, depending on severity, may cost an average of $25,000 to 40,000 dollars in the United States, while an individual traveling to destinations such as India may receive such care for approximately $10,000. A knee replacement in the United States may cost 35,000 to $40,000 per knee, while knee replacement surgeries and procedures in destinations such as Costa Rica, charge 1/4 to 1/2 same price, all the while providing certified, accredited, state of the art equipment and experienced and highly trained surgeons, and high-tech facilities.

As baby boomers face retirement and increasing health costs, they’re looking for affordable and timely healthcare options. Nearly 150,000 Americans traveled abroad in 2007 for international medical care, and numbers drastically increased throughout 2008 and 2009. According to the Medical Tourism Association, an estimated 23 million Americans alone will travel overseas for their medical care by the year 2017, with expenditures of nearly $80 billion dollars. The numbers of Britons, Canadians, and Middle Eastern citizens of countries such as Iran and Iraq, as well as Afrikaans, are seeking international medical destinations in Turkey, the Ukraine, India, and Thailand for affordable and quality medical care.

Anticipating a dilemma and growing dissatisfaction by consumers in the ability to provide adequate and quality health care to millions of aging Americans, a growing number of health insurance companies in the United States are offering Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP) and benefits enabling policyholders to travel to foreign destinations for their medical care in the hopes of relieving the burden on domestic health care. Medical tourism is the wave of the future, and the health and wellness tourism industry is able to meet the challenges of growing numbers of seniors seeking medical care in a multitude of fields.

PlacidWay (http://www.placidway.com) is a leader in the medical tourism industry, dedicated to offering accurate, up-to-date information and resources regarding medical travel, international medical providers, treatments, procedures and destinations for American and international travelers. For press inquiries about PlacidWay, or to arrange an interview with Pramod Goel, call +1.720.897.6201 or e-mail info@placidway.com

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