The economic news this year has generally focused on the standstill in production and consumer spending. Despite this environment, the active-aging industry is slowly but steadily growing, according to new research from International Council on Active Aging®  (ICAA), the  association that provides services and business intelligence for professionals working with people 50 years and older.

“As we travel around the country visiting retirement community and fitness center clients, we are definitely seeing an up-tick in programs focused on wellness,” says Tom Mann of TR Mann Consulting. “Boomers and seniors are taking a much more proactive approach to wellness than they did just five years ago. Having a robust wellness program is now a key to marketing your retirement community or fitness center,” adds Mann.

Active aging means living live as fully as possible, with opportunities for health, productivity and safety. The active-aging industry was created when ICAA brought together diverse business sectors—from real estate to seniors services and fitness—by recognizing their mutual purpose of providing services to older adults. The industry’s emphasis on quality of life among older adults has resulted in an abundance of Wii tournaments and strength training classes, expeditions to China, volunteer tutors in inner city schools, age-friendly modifications to treadmills and universal design features in new housing.

The ICAA 2010 Active-Aging Industry Development Survey collected information from 640 respondents to an online survey who work primarily in retirement communities, seniors centers, wellness centers, health clubs and additional locations that provide services for older adults. These providers of services to older adults reported a surge of optimism and service growth.

Over three-quarters (77%) of respondents plan to add more activities, classes or programs over the next two years. This is a 51% increase from the responses to the identical questions that appeared on an earlier ICAA survey, conducted one year ago, when half (51%) of respondents stated they were adding in the next 12 months (ICAA Economy Survey, July 2009, 489 respondents).

The growth in program offerings is complemented by jobs creation: 27% plan to hire more wellness staff over the next two years.

Capital projects are being planned by 41% of respondents, including building new wellness centers and expanding or renovating current wellness and fitness facilities. Retirement communities are refurbishing or building new residences.

“While the larger economy may be suffering from a cold, the active-aging industry is in good health,” explained Colin Milner, CEO of International Council on Active Aging. “From the business perspective, the market of older adults is large and growing, and overall older adults have a net worth that enables them to make choices to maintain their health and keep their days interesting.  The results of this survey show that businesses are positioning themselves to meet those needs, by building and upgrading facilities and expanding their programs.”

The ICAA 2010 Active-Aging Industry Development Survey is available for $149. The survey is  free of charge to ICAA Organizational members, and at a discounted rate to ICAA Individual members. Members of the media may contact Colin Milner at colinmilner@icaa.cc for copies of the survey.

About the survey

The ICAA 2010 Active-Aging Industry Development Survey was an online survey available from July 17 through August 14, 2010.  Respondents included continuing care retirement communities (24%), active adult and independent living retirement communities (24%), independent living with assisted living and assisted living communities (13%), seniors centers (13%), health club or medically-based wellness/fitness centers (10%) and other locations. Among the 640 respondents; 65% have a formal wellness program for older adults and 29% offered wellness activities, but not a formal program.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

ICAA, a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools.

As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada ’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

Editors Note:

The ICAA’s Founder, Colin Milner, will be speaking at the National Active Retirement Association Conference – Wednesday, October 20 – Friday, October 22 – Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center * Columbia, South Carolina. Also, worth noting is the International Council on Active Aging Conference – Thursday, December 2 – Saturday, December 4 – San Diego Convention Center * San Diego, California. I (Tom Mann of TR Mann Consulting) will also be attending both of these events.

Also, speaking of active aging, here’s two of the ICAA’s preferred providers worth checking out: Super Noggin (brain fitness) and Conductorcise (music and exercise).

Here’s a video introduction to Super Noggin:

“It almost seems inconceivable that our small 11-year-old magazine could compete favorably with AARP, but we do and that’s a testimony to our fabulous staff,” said Publisher/Executive Editor Dan Owens. “We hate to get beaten by AARP, but we take comfort in the fact that they have enormous national resources and their parent organization receives millions of dollars in support each year from the federal government. AARP should be better than everybody else,” he said.

Owens founded Retirement Lifestyles as an annual North Carolina tabloid newspaper in 1999. It is now a quarterly national slick magazine. “We write colorful articles that help our 50+ subscribers learn more about their lifestyle options,” Owens said, adding that a common theme is that you can relocate in a less expensive spot and put a nest egg in the bank.

The magazine was judged one of the top seven U.S. 50+ magazines in 1999, 2005, 2007 and 2008 among magazines and organizations of any size in any location in America. The 2009 Mature Media Award is the highest recognition Retirement Lifestyles has received.

“The first of 78 million baby boomers will turn 65 next year, officially kicking off the massive ‘age wave’ in this country,” said Owens. “Retirement Lifestyles fills part of a large vacuum of information in the marketplace for these aging consumers.”

The founder of the National Active Retirement Association (NARA), Owens said awareness of the aging of America is increasing.  “People were awestruck when James Taylor and Carole King packed concert venues around the country recently when other concerts were being cancelled. People are also amazed that Fox News’ conservative morning show leads all morning ratings. Aging boomers can be a powerful market,” he said. 

For a free sample copy of Retirement Lifestyles, call (888)742-7362 or go to www.retiresouth.com. For a complete list of Mature Media Award winners, go to www.seniorawards.com.

Heritage of Green Hills Serves As Prototype For Super Noggin

Over the next 18 years the baby boomer tidal wave will reach the shores of retirement.  Add to that the fact that people over 85 are now the fastest-growing segment of the population, and the result is that by 2050, the number of Americans 85 years and older will quadruple.

Total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias than for other people age 65 and older, according to the 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, published by the Alzheimer’s Association.

According the Facts and Figures report, in 2006:

• Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes plus Alzheimer’s or another dementia had 64 percent more hospital stays than those with diabetes and no Alzheimer’s, and their average per person Medicare costs were $20,655 compared to $12,979 for beneficiaries with diabetes but no Alzheimer’s or dementia.

• Medicare beneficiaries with coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia had 42 percent more hospital stays than those with coronary heart disease and no Alzheimer’s or dementia, and their average per person Medicare costs were $20,780 compared to $14,640 for beneficiaries with coronary heart disease but no Alzheimer’s or dementia.

• With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the ripple effects of the disease can be felt throughout the entire family. According to Facts and Figures, in 2008, nearly 10 million Alzheimer caregivers in the U.S. provided 8.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $94 billion. In addition to the unpaid care families contribute, the report also reveals that Alzheimer’s creates high out-of-pocket health and long-term care expenses for families.

• Out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other sources of insurance are 28 percent higher for Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s than those without. Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities incurred the highest out-of-pocket costs – an average of $16,689 a year.
 
Growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia 

• There are 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s Disease. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds. By 2050 there will be nearly a million new cases per year.

• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the country, surpassing diabetes; it is the fifth leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older.
From 2000 to 2006, while deaths from other major diseases dropped -

> heart disease (-11.5 percent),
> breast cancer (-.6 percent),
> prostate cancer (-14.3 percent) and
> stroke (-18.1 percent) -
deaths from Alzheimer’s disease rose 47.1 percent.
 
Two innovative organizations fight back 

The Heritage of Green Hills, a stunning full-service retirement community for retirees 55 and up, has made a name for itself by pushing preventive health care, rather than reactive health care. “Our residents are some of the most active, independent people you will ever meet. We aim to keep it that way! ” says The Heritage’s Executive Director, Chris Romick. “Currently, we are a country that reacts to health care problems rather than practicing preventive health care. As part of our Well By Design program we’ve teamed up with the not-for-profit LEAF Ltd. Foundation. LEAF has developed an innovative new program called Super Noggin.”

The Heritage of Green Hills.

Super Noggin is a brain fitness program for those who want to stay mentally sharp throughout life.  It is designed to maintain and even improve brain fitness, but following the program also contributes to good physical health – a bonus! It’s the first cognitive fitness program to integrate live classes, advice on computer programs, and behavioral changes (namely sleep and diet) to promote healthier brain fitness.
 
The components of the program promote cognitive challenges, physical exercise, good nutrition, social interaction, stress reduction, and personal reflection.  Super Noggin is compatible with the wellness model of the ICAA (International Council on Active Aging).
 
“We’re honored to be the first retirement community in the country offering Super Noggin,” exclaims Chris, “we know it will make a huge difference in the quality of the lives of our residents. Our Well By Design staff members are among the first in the nation to be Certified … and now they can lead groups in maximizing their brain fitness throughout the year. That’s exciting! ”

Super Noggin Class An Overwhelming Success

On July 1st  the Super Noggin team led a packed room of more than 70 Heritage residents, ages 55 to 88, in a Super Noggin class titled, “Ten Steps To Brain Fitness.” But Super Noggin is more than just classes; it’s about making lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve life.
 
Super Noggin is a comprehensive brain fitness program offering a multi-pronged approach to LEARN and PRACTICE brain-healthy habits and to TRACK progress.
Super Noggin includes:
 
• educational and motivational workshops
• brain exercises to stimulate cognitive functions
• a year-long schedule of individual and group activities to keep your brain fit individual tracking of progress toward a healthier lifestyle

Registered Nurse and resident of The Heritage, Bonnie Ebling likes what she sees in Super Noggin, “We keep active physically. We need to keep active mentally too! When you go to a Super Noggin session, it reinforces things you already knew but you also tend to have a lot of ‘Ah ha’ moments.”  Executive Director Chris Romick agrees, “At The Heritage, our residents believe in prevention through a healthy lifestyle… rather than reactive health care. Our residents want to STAY healthy! Which is why Super Noggin was such a perfect fit for our community. I can tell you this much, people have told us that one of the attractions for moving to The Heritage was the availability of Super Noggin.” 
  

Full Disclosure: Both The Heritage of Green Hills and Super Noggin are clients of TR Mann Consulting.

Mature Market Experts: more mature market news and stats more often – Economic Downturn Has Spurred Grandparents’ Giving – The mature market continues to utilize their financial power to support their kids. Almost two-thirds of America’s grandparents have provided financial support to their grandchildren during the last five years, 40% for general purposes and 26% for education, according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute’s QuickPOLL, Grandparents: Generous with Money, Not with Advice. The average amount provided was $8,661, or about $370.7 billion total in the last five years. One-quarter (25%) say the economic downturn has caused them to increase the help they give to their grandchildren.

The 2009 Grandparents Poll revealed that grandparents prefer to help their children and grandchildren while they are alive, rather than leaving a lump sum in a will, an interesting phenomenon.

In addition, the data indicates that those with less income and net worth are giving a higher percentage than they did before the most recent economic downturn – and some of them are feeling the pinch, with more than one in five (22%) overall reporting that their generosity has had a negative impact on their own financial picture.

“The survey points to the universal bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, and the generous nature of grandparents, regardless of asset and income levels,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute.

“Grandparents are more willing than ever to help their grandchildren, even though they may be suffering economically. While they clearly want to make sure their grandchildren are financially secure, only a small percentage of those polled said they have talked to their grandchildren about the importance of hard work, saving for a rainy day and intelligent use of credit.”

Other information learned from the 2009 Grandparents Poll includes the following:

• Of the minority who do impart advice to their grandchildren, the most common missives are to save and invest early (85%) and to stay out of debt (75%).

• Those grandparents with at least a college degree are more likely to support education (37% vs. 24% of those without a college education).

• Nearly half of education supporters (46%) set up a college fund; 26% are paying for pre-college expenses and 24% help with college tuition or loans.

• 83% are giving cash; in-kind gifts like cars and computers rank second.

• Half of those polled (52%) say their children are raising their grandchildren differently than they raised their kids. Of that group, 64% say their kids are more lenient with their children than they were and 55% said the youngest group has fewer household responsibilities.

• 30% of those polled have encouraged or have spoken to their adult children about life insurance as a way to protect the future of their grandchildren.

• The majority (78%) say it’s more important to distribute smaller gifts throughout their lifetimes as needed, rather than leaving a larger sum of money as a legacy at death.

“Like grandparents in earlier generations, today’s grandparents want to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives. What may be different today is that grandparents are helping their children and grandchildren to meet immediate financial needs,” said Dr. Timmermann. “Grandparents with the financial resources will want to make more long range plans too, assuring that their grandchildren have enough money to fund college tuition and that the family has the financial security should something happen to one or both parents. Grandparents are also in a unique position to provide another valuable legacy, that of helping grandchildren to understand the value of a dollar and the importance of saving money.”

Methodology
The 2009 Grandparents Poll was conducted by Harris Interactive in May 2009 via its QuickQuerySM online omnibus service. Participants included 1,077 U.S. adults age 45 and older who have grandchildren age 25 or younger. Data were weighted to be representative of the total U.S. population on the basis of age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, region, household income and the propensity to be online.

For more information about the MetLife Mature Market Institute, please visit: www.maturemarketinstitute.com.
Grandparents: Generous with Money, Not with Advice can be downloaded from http:// www.maturemarketinstitute.com under “What’s New.” It can also be ordered by e-mailing, maturemarketinstitute@metlife.com, or by writing to: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Editors note:  I love the folks at The MetLife Mature Market Institute. They do great work and their press releases are full of great findings (as you can see by this one). As I have blogged before, Grandparents are a major consumer market. There were 69 million U.S. grandparents in 2000, a number expected to grow to 80 million by 2010, and they spend a median of $489 per year on their grandchildren, about $30 billion annually. Source: AARP Special Study, 2002

U.S grandparents and the mature market:

- Over 75% of the 50+ market are grandparents

- Average age of the first-time grandparent is 47

- Over 70 million grandparents in the U.S. (More than the entire population in the U.K.)

- 4,000 Baby Boomers become grandparents every day

- The 50+ population is projected to grow to 23% in the next ten years while growth in the 18-49 segment will be flat

Source: GRAND Magazine

PS    GRAND Magazine, one of TR Mann Consultings’ clients, offers an exceptional opportunity for marketers to capture an audience at a highly defined stage, at an exceptional cost per thousand. Grandparents will continue to spoil and spend money on their grandchildren even in the worst economy.

The memoir, which recounts Orsborn’s tumultuous journey through recessionary times, is the first title to be released by VibrantNation.com’s VN Books, the first multi-platform publisher exclusively targeting the growing marketplace of women over 50.

The book will be released as both a trade paperback and electronically, including free syndication on DivineCaroline.com, the flagship site of Real Girls Media Network and an integral part of the Meredith Women’s Network. Through its online relationships, VN Books will reach in excess of 5 million potential readers with its first release.

For information: http://tinyurl.com/mc4m3m

Mature Market Experts: more mature market news and stats more often – ICAA leader invited to participate in The World Economic Forum –  [VANCOUVER, June 26, 2009] The World Economic Forum has asked Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), to participate in its Network of Global Agenda Councils for the second consecutive year. The purpose and continuity of these Global Agenda Councils are evaluated annually, with both councils and membership subject to renewal. Professor Klaus Schwab, the Forum’s executive chairman, recently invited Milner to continue working with the influential “intelligence and knowledge network” for 2009–2010. One of the world’s visionaries on health and well-being for older adults, Milner created ICAA in 2001 to support professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults over 50. After serving last year on the Global Agenda Council on the Challenges of Gerontology, Milner will share his knowledge of active aging and aging-related issues with the Global Agenda Council on Aging Society in the coming year.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is an independent, nonprofit organization “committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.” The Forum established the Network of Global Agenda Councils in 2008 to further its mission and strategic vision, and tackle global issues of critical importance. For each issue, the Forum brings together 15–20 of the world’s “most innovative and influential minds” to “capture the very best knowledge” on that topic and “integrate it into global collaboration and decision-making processes.”

Populated by thought leaders in business, government, academia and society, the Global Agenda Councils act as advisory boards to the Forum, as well as to parties such as governments and international organizations. In 2009, the councils will have added responsibility as the “intellectual drivers” of the Forum’s new Global Redesign Initiative. This multistakeholder dialogue aims “to help establish processes and structures of global cooperation” to meet the challenges of the 21^st century. “The initiative will provide the fresh, bottom-up rethinking necessary to develop principles and guidelines as well as concrete recommendations regarding structures of governance,” according to the Forum.

Milner is honored to be involved with this global group of leaders working collaboratively to address the world’s key challenges. “I look forward to the privilege of continuing my work with the Global Agenda Councils,” he says, “and to sharing the value of active aging with my colleagues on the Aging Society council.” Milner plans to return to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November for the second annual Summit on the Global Agenda. This three-day event promotes the objective of the Global Agenda Councils to foster long-range, interdisciplinary thinking on pressing issues in the global arena. In Dubai, members of the Global Agenda Councils have the opportunity to meet in person, share their knowledge and discuss the issues. Outcomes will be reported at the Forum’s 40^th Annual Meeting in January 2010.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

Website: www.icaa.cc

ICAA is the world’s largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with the growing population of people who are 50 years and older. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging

Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)

Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595

colinmilner@icaa.cc

www.icaa.cc

Mature Market Experts: More Mature Market News and Stats more often – A Match Made in Baby Boomer Heaven  – ThirdAge.com, the leading lifestage media and marketing company, recently announced that it has formed an exclusive partnership with GRAND Magazine (www.GRANDMagazine.com), an online magazine focused on boomer-age grandparents, one of the most rapidly growing demographics in America.

The union, which will include exclusive content on each other’s sites, co-branded newsletters and collaborative research/reporting, positions GRAND – The Magazine for GRANDparents  as the “preferred provider” of information for grandparents on ThirdAge.com’s website, which boasts over a million unique visitors per month.

Sharon Whiteley, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of ThirdAge.com, commented on the partnership:  “We are delighted to join forces in this GRAND collaboration. Just as ThirdAgers are redefining the midlife experience, they are also reshaping the image of grandparents to reflect their lifestyle. GRAND – The Online Magazine for GRANDparentsis a trusted resource for boomer grandparents, addressing their needs with timely and engaging content.”

This partnership embodies the best of both worlds by providing much sought-after information to their respective communities.   ThirdAge.com’s topics include Health & Wellness, Relationships & Sex, Money & Work, Beauty & Style and Leisure & Passions.  GrandMagazine.com brings its flavor and expertise in all issues relating to grandparents including:  long-distance grandparenting, kinship care and grandparents’ rights, children’s health and development, intergenerational travel and reunions, family money, fun and games to do with your grandchildren, food and family gatherings, fashion, inspirations, grandchildren’s photographs and funny sayings, and much more!

Christine Crosby, Publisher of GRAND Magazine had this to say:  “GRAND media is thrilled to team up with ThirdAge.com, a respected and long-time leader in the 50+ marketing arena. ThirdAge.com addresses real interests and concerns of today’s baby boomers. GRAND is a perfect complement with relevant content for today’s boomer grands.”

ThirdAge Inc. is a leading online lifestage media, marketing and consumer insight company exclusively focused on serving today’s dynamic population of adults in mid-life who are intent on living life to its fullest, and marketers who want to build genuine and lasting relationships with them. Generally in their early 40s through late 60s — and often referred to as Baby Boomers and aging mid-lifers by marketers – they are ThirdAgers.  Over the last decade, ThirdAge has built a loyal and trusting Community of individuals interested in relevant, informative and insightful content on topics that matter most to them during this time of life: Health & Wellness, Relationships & Sex, Money & Work, Beauty & Style and Leisure & Passions.

GRAND Media, LLC is a five-year old multi-media company based in St. Petersburg, Florida. GRAND Media publishes GRAND  – The Online Magazine for GRANDparents, www.GRANDMagazine.com and GRAND TV. GRAND’s mission is to champion the role of today’s grandparents and offers entertainment, information, and inspiration for and about today’s GRANDparents.

Full Disclosure: GRAND Magazine is a client of TR Mann Consulting.

Barry Rand, the next CEO of AARP

Mature Market Experts: more mature market news and stats more often – AARP Names Addison Barry Rand as Next CEO – The largest membership organization in the United States (over 40 million people age 50 and older) has announced that Barry Rand will become the next CEO of AARP. Mr. Rand, who will be succeeding current CEO Bill Novelli in April, will be the first African-American to lead the organization.

According to AARP’s press release, “Rand, who serves as the volunteer Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Howard University, is most recognized for his 30 year career at Xerox, where he rose from a sales representative to Executive Vice President for Worldwide Operations. More importantly, Rand’s tenure at Xerox is highlighted by his work to ensure minorities and women had every opportunity for advancement at the company. Under Rand’s leadership, Xerox became the most diverse company in the Fortune 500. Further, when Rand left Xerox in 1999 to become Chairman and CEO of Avis, he became one of the first African-Americans to achieve such a position in the Fortune 500.”

To read Mr. Rand’s full bio click here.

Mature Market Experts: more mature market news and stats more often – mature market skiers and the economy – I recently went skiing close to home (Deep Creek, Maryland) with my wife and children and couldn’t help but notice the slopes were packed. Long lines everywhere you went. Didn’t seem like the economy was slowing business down at all. Upon closer review, I’d be willing to bet that many families are and will be vacationing closer to home to save money. The other thing I couldn’t help but notice is that the slopes were filled with boomers. In fact, in many instances I saw three generations of skiers from families. This broadening of the market has to be helping ski resorts. I know my parents weren’t skiing at 60. My observation of more mature market skiers definitely echoes what the industry is reporting:

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) 2008 National Demographic Study states that there are continued gains in visitation among skiers and riders aged 45 and over. Since the winter of 1997-98, the proportion of skiers aged 45 to 54 has increased from 14% to 19.9% in the U.S., says the association. Skiers aged 55 to 64 has doubled from 4.6 percent to 9.2 percent; and the proportion of visitors aged 65 and over has also increased substantially, from 2.4 percent to 3.8 percent. The NSAA press release states, “According to the study, the loyalty and staying power of older participants has been a plus for ski resorts and has been a key driver of the success enjoyed by the industry in recent seasons.” Last season, the industry tallied a record 60.5 million skier visits nationally.

Just imagine how much more business they would be doing if they catered some more to baby boomer needs. I can tell you that ski lifts, as they are designed today, continue to be a major barrier for young and old. I saw more falls in these areas than any other part of the resort. I also think ski boots need a redesign, as they are far heavier than they need to be. And finally, I’d encourage the resorts to consider shorter ski rental periods and rates. Many grandparents would love to go down the bunny hill with their grandkids once or twice but don’t want to spend the day out there . . . and would happily retire to the bar or spa (with their wallets) after a couple of trips down.

By the way, TR Mann Consulting’s client GRAND Magazine, had a wonderful article on the top four ski resorts for grandparents and their grandkids.

The Senior List (www.theseniorlist.com) is a consumer driven web portal focusing in the area of senior services. With its unique, user friendly interface, The Senior List allows anyone to add and rate senior related businesses in all 50 states. Ratings are then available to all in an effort to make difficult decisions a little easier. Chris Clark, co-founder and CEO of The Senior List has spent the last 18 years working in healthcare. “The landscape out there has really changed, and the old ways of doing business just aren’t enough anymore. Consumer empowerment is all around us, and the leverage it gives to those that embrace it is incredible. The Senior List fills a much needed niche and we hope our brand becomes the trusted gateway to senior services nationwide.”

The Senior List originally launched in 2006 as a regional website to support The Senior Resource Network, a placement and referral service located in Portland, OR. Interest was so high at that time; management felt they were on to something. “Everyone we worked with kept saying you need to grow this, and offer more… so we made some enhancements and began to build a solution.”

Clark says the biggest challenge has been building brand awareness, and calling consumers to action. “Whenever there is something that changes the status quo, there are challenges. When a connected consumer thinks plumber, roofer, or painter they think Angie’s List®… When they think elder law attorney, assisted living, or home care we want them to think The Senior List®, and it’s beginning to happen.” The Senior List is a free resource, but it requires consumer involvement to make it work… Just about 5 minutes of your time to be exact.

The Senior List is an online solution that allows consumers to recommend local businesses by filling out a simple survey. It’s a way to let your voice be heard, and the only nationwide solution of its kind. Since the results of the surveys are posted to The Senior List, consumers can browse the vast database created by their peers to find trustworthy service providers.

The Senior List is located online at www.theseniorlist.com

###

*To request company fact sheet; email cclark@theseniorlist.com.