The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Is the Internet interfering with your family life?

Americans spend 32.7 hours a week online.

As a result, they’re spending less time with their families.

In a survey, 28 percent of Americans said they’ve been spending less time with members of their households, the Annenberg Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern California reports. That's nearly triple the 11 percent who said that in 2006.

A 10-year-old girl told how her dad spends a lot of the little time he has at home on the computer, on the NPR program “Daddy, What’s a Facebook?” She described how her little brother throws tantrums to get his dad’s attention when he’s using the computer so long.
 
What’s happening in your home? Are your family relationships being affected negatively by computer use? Is the problem worse since Facebook and Twitter have become so popular?

Do you have limits on how much teens can use the computer? Do your teens have their own laptops?

Write a comment below and let me know if soaring Internet use is causing squabbles in your home.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison

High-income earners moving their businesses to resort towns

It’s appealing to many baby boomers these days.

Move your business to Florida, Colorado, Nevada, or Wyoming, resort towns and ski areas that once were seen as places to vacation or build your second home.

The Internet, wireless technology, and the availability of airline flights are making it possible for high-income earners to move from city centers to fabulous vacation spots.

Personal income data released in April by the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows tourist towns are becoming more wealthy, the Associated Press reports.

Here are the top 20 high-income counties in the United States, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis:

1. Teton County, Wyo. – $132,728
2. New York – $120,790
3. Loving County, Texas – $99,593
4. Pitkin County, Colo. – $93,465
5. Marin County, Calif. – $91,483
6. Fairfield County, Conn. – $81,576
7. Westchester County, N.Y. – $74,878
8. San Mateo County, Calif. – $71,753
9. Morris County, N.J. – $71,713
10. San Francisco, Calif. – $71,342
11. Somerset County, N.J. – $70,949
12. Alexandria, Va. – $70,632
13. Arlington County, Va. – $68,270
14. Fairfax County, Va. (includes Fairfax City and Falls Church) – $67,909
15. Montgomery County, Md. – $67,525
16. Bergen County, N.J. – $67,125
17. Hunterdon County, N.J. – $66,449
18. Sully County, S.D. – $64,352
19. Blaine, Idaho – $64,207
20. Collier County, Fla. – $63,276

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 baby boomer challenges

What are the top 10 difficulties baby boomers face today?

With the recession continuing, many boomers are stressed about money, jobs, and housing.

Here’s my take on the top 10 things worrying boomer consumers these days:

1. Setting a retirement date

With investment returns and housing prices down, many boomers are postponing retirement.

2. Keeping a job

Older workers are often the first to be laid off, so boomers have concerns about being able to remain in the workforce. Or, they’re unemployed and looking for work.

3. Declining health

As boomers get older, the chances of becoming ill – including developing a serious illness or having a heart attack – increase. 

4. Rising health care costs

Health care spending has risen about 2.4 percent faster than GDP since 1970. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services project that by 2018 health care spending will be more than $4.3 trillion or $13,100 per resident and account for 20.3 percent of GDP. Meanwhile, the quality of health care diminishes, including an increased risk of getting an infection when you go to the hospital.

5. Dwindling home values

In 2008, home sales prices fell an average of 9.5 percent, the largest annual decrease in 39 years.

6. Handling family relationships

Tough economic times make it more difficult to visit with adult children and their families who are spread across the country. Or, adult children may need to move back home due to job losses and financial setbacks. 

7. Increasing costs and the inability to pay off debts

Costs are continuing to rise while raises and promotions disappear, making it more difficult to pay off credit card debt.

8. Decreasing leisure activities

With money tight, the opportunity for vacations and health club memberships are reduced. 

9. Increasing stress levels

More demands at work, less time to spend with family and friends, and the intrigues of social networking make it difficult to find a time to relax.

10. Increasing declines in environmental quality

Although the Obama Administration has plans to turn around the environmental destruction of recent years, the sweeping changes needed aren’t yet in place.

Let me what’s of concern to you as a baby boomer. 

Tomorrow’s post will discuss “Top 10 Reasons for Baby Boomers to Be Optimistic.”

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Twitter rapidly rolls in consumer information for baby boomers

As a baby boomer, how can Twitter help you become a better consumer?

Sign up on Twitter and look for consumer groups to follow.

That’s what I did after I found that my friends and family weren’t on Twitter yet.

I started out by following Consumer Reports, The Consumerist, and Public Citizen. When I asked what other consumer groups I should follow, I received the suggestion to follow FDA Recalls, CDC Emergency, and Food Safety.

Now, when I check Twitter several times a day, I have dozens of message of up to 140 characters on: Consumer Reports’ articles and activities; articles and reports about upset and happy consumers from The Consumerist; food recalls; and information on how to prepare for emergencies from the Centers for Disease Control.

While I like the blog ideas, the food recalls are amazing. I saw peanut butter cookies sold by my local food co-op roll by.

I'm also following a few boomers on Twitter.

What is Twitter and how does it work? See my article “Baby Boomers and Twitter,” which appeared on Boomer411 this week.

In response to my article, Going Like Sixty said he’s “having a ball on Twitter.” He also said he’s following @JaneFonda, and she writes neat tweets. “She doesn’t write like a celeb,” he said, adding he enjoys her blog, too.

Going Like Sixty said Twitter is like instant messaging, only with a party line.

My handle on Twitter is @BoomerGuide, so follow me if you’re tweeting.

Here are some other reports on Twitter and baby boomers:

“Baby Boomers on Twitter” – Boomer Café

“Baby Boomers Jump into Twitter" – Boomer Café

“How to Tackle Twitter as a Baby Boomer” – Boomer Diva Nation

“Seven Ways to Use Twitter for Profit and Fun” – The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur

To join Twitter, go to www.twitter.com. It’s free.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Baby boomer consumers need to know about product recalls

What you don’t know about product safety could kill you.

When I began writing for consumers in 1977, I was on the mailing list of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. I received a news release about a shop light that had killed people and was being recalled.

I showed the information to a family member. Sure enough! It was the recalled light. It was returned to the store for a refund.

It’s important for boomer consumers to regularly obtain information on consumer recalls for their safety and the safety of others in the household.

The question is “How do you keep up with recall information?”

It’s a big task. I’m going to blog weekly about a recall, and include a link for the federal government’s recall site at www.Recalls.gov.

The site offers information on consumer products, motor vehicles, boats, food, cosmetics, and environmental products. You can search by type of product, company, or a specific product.

You can also sign up to receive e-mail recalls from five government agencies.

This week’s recall is stuffed animals and creature toys sold at Old Navy whose eyes can detach and pose a choking hazard for young children. Children should not be allowed to play with the toys. The toys should be returned for a refund.

See the news release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission for details.

My next post will be on "What Do You Need to Do About the Peanut Recall?"

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide celebrates its first anniversary

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide is now one year old!

It’s been an amazing year. It’s fun to do research and writing about baby boomers.
 
I’ve learned so much. And I’ve “met” so many interesting and wonderful people who’ve read my blog and given me tips and feedback.

When I decided to become a blogger, I wanted to offer a place where boomer consumers could obtain information to help them get what they want in their lives.

After 288 posts and 271 comments about boomers, we’ve been able to create the conversation place that I’d hoped for. Thank you so much for your interest and support.

To celebrate the first anniversary of this blog, I’d like to share with you some of the comments I’ve received from readers. That’s what blogging is all about; learning and interacting in this new world-wide communication era.

Here are readers’ comments:

General

• GREAT Blog!  Full of excellent and useful information! Phil

• Thanks for a well written blog. I enjoyed browsing through it. I love how the Internet brings us all together… Marilyn

• I stopped by your blog and am really impressed... Beverly Mahone
  

• What a resource. Love your blog... Nana Connie

• I was very impressed with your blog... Stephanie Stangl

• Rita, I read all your posts -- like your flow and timing and content. I didn’t know about your extensive journalism background. Fun -- thanks for putting yourself out there! Paul Knox

• I'll be a regular reader of your blog.  Very cool! Jan

Consumers

• Wow - This is a great site for information about consumer information. Joe

• Great list [on the top consumer stories of 2008]. The economy tops it all, doesn't it. James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

• Great list of resources [on green Web sites]. I added a few of them to my own required reading list. Birney Summers

• Excellent post/article [on Martin Luther King Jr.], Rita. Fitting for this inaugural week that features the swearing in of our first African American President and the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr., also. Marvin D. WilsonM

Boomers

• What a comprehensive post [on baby boomer women and holiday spending]. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I will be back often. Rosie

Holidays

• Great suggestions [on surviving Thanksgiving Day with relatives].and sometimes we forget the reason for Thanksgiving...Be grateful for all we have...and then some. Carol Stanley

Retirement

• These are some very good tips [on using retirement planning techniques in this financial crisis]. So many boomers are having to delay their retirement due to the current state of the economy – these tips come in very handy! ... Isabella Coldivar

Food

• Thanks to your post [on the best containers to store food in]. I've checked all of my plastic containers. Luckily they are all No. 5 plastic! Lisa

• This [article on becoming a vegetarian] is fantastic! … K.T.

Housing

• You do a great job of breaking down this decision [on purchasing windows] into its integral parts. Many times the wrong window is selected because people don't know what to exactly look for; but if the steps you outlined are followed, the proper window can be selected with ease. Utah Windows

Health

• Totally! I've been using acupuncture for years. The first time I ever had a treatment, I had suffered with chronic pain for years. One treatment and it was gone forever! I love acupuncture and recommend it to everyone. Rhea

• This is a helpful post [on finding a qualified provider for testing and fitting before you buy a hearing aid] as was the earlier one on hearing loss. This gave me some insight as to why my mom had such a difficult time with the hearing aids she was given. She never took the time to retrain the brain. Mary

• Great tips [on flattening your belly instantly]. I've (almost) given up diet soda, although I fall off the wagon two to three times a month, but I used to be a two-diet coke a day consumer. And I find peppermint tea soothing. Beth

Travel

• Being amongst the oldest Boomers myself I was delighted to discover your blog. Although I live in England, we post War babies are facing the same challenges wherever we live. Thanks for relating your daughter's home exchange experiences and also for drawing attention to the tips from the Independent Traveler. I have been running Home Base Holidays from London since 1985... Cheers, Lois Sealey

Thanks again for your support. I'm looking forward to more exciting boomer consumer research, writing, and conversation.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to buy last-minute Christmas gifts

With storms ravishing most of the northern parts of the country, the mid-West, and the Rocky Mountain states, the best advice on buying last-minute Christmas gifts is probably calling your favorite catalog company and requesting express mail service.

Internet shopping at this point is risky. Even though delivery by Christmas day is promised, Internet companies may miss the date. While you could get a refund, you’ll be without a gift for your special someone.

If you’re able to get out of your house, make a list to save time. If you’re able to buy three gifts at one store, you won’t waste time going from store to store. Try shopping at local stores rather than the malls because malls are likely to be crowded. Put stores on your list that offer unique and inexpensive gifts. Don’t expect to find popular, big-ticket items this late in the season. You may, however, be able to find items such as Christmas ornaments or decorations offered at substantial discounts.  

Think about whom on your list might like a basket of gift items. Chocolate, coffee, and soaps and shampoos made without harsh chemicals are some of the choices available.

If you leave your Christmas shopping until Christmas Eve, start early in the day. Many stores close early, so if you begin at 5 p.m. you may be out of luck.

If all else fails, buy a gift card. Be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of any cards purchased as described in my article “Beware: Gift Cards May Not Be What They Seem” on Boomer411.

For last-minute gifts items you can make at home – such as babysitting for your friends’ children, making a collage of photos, or offering a beauty treatment – see the article “Last-minute Christmas Gifts” on allthingchristmas.com.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Internet surfing good for baby boomer, senior brains

Baby boomers and seniors who surf the Internet had better brain activity than those who didn't use it, a new study reports.

Adults age 55 to 78 years old had more stimulation of decision-making and complex reasoning areas of the brain than older adults who rarely used the Internet or didn't use it at all.

The study, conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles, also found that reading didn't stimulate as much brain activity as Internet searching.

Half of the 24 adults studied had experience searching the web from once a day to many times a day. The other half reported using the Internet never to once a month.

The more experience a person had in searching the Internet, the greater it engaged his or her brain, the study found.

See the article, "Surfing the Web Stimulates Older Brains: Web-Savvy Baby Boomers, Seniors Plumb More Regions of the Brain During Internet Searches," on WebMed.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to buy clothes online

Baby boomers are among the millions of Americans buying clothing online more and more frequently.

In 2007, Americans spent nearly $23 billion on clothing, accessories, and shoes – that’s more than was spent on any other online category of consumer goods, including computers and electronics.

People over age 40 are generally more satisfied with their online purchases than younger people, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Of the 25,565 people who responded to the online survey, 85 percent were very or completely satisfied with their online clothes-shopping experience.

Consumer Reported rated 39 online clothing sellers based on the survey in its December 2008 issue. Among the findings are:

• L.L.Bean, Zappos, and Lands' End tended to provide quality clothing, accurate descriptions and sizing information, and an easy way to order and return items. Old Navy, Sears, Victoria’s Secret, the Gap, JCPenney, and Kohl’s weren’t rated as highly.

• Zappos, QVC, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and L.L.Bean did a good job of revealing shipping costs. Victoria's Secret, J. Jill, and QVC were among the worst offenders for complaints about shipping costs.

• Sears, Woman Within, Chadwick's, Haband, and Newport News customers had more problems with size accuracy than other companies in the ratings.

Online shopping could save you time by avoiding holiday crowds. Be sure, however, to include the costs of shipping when you do your comparison shopping.

And, Consumer Reports said in the article that those surveyed returned or exchanged one in four of the items they purchased. If you’re a busy boomer consumer, returning that many items may not work for you.

To read the ratings, you can look for the December issue of Consumer Reports at a local library or bookstore. Ratings are available online for subscribers to ConsumerReports.org.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Baby boomers watching more online entertainment

Baby boomers are increasingly viewing online entertainment. However, they're not yet giving up traditional media.

Currently, 61 percent of people ages 44 to 61 are visiting video streaming or downloading Web sites and 41 percent have tried social networking, according to a recent study by the NPD Group, a marketing research organization.

Baby boomer online destinations include YouTube and network TV sites, as well as the social networking sites Linked In, Facebook, and MySpace.

Younger people ages 13 to 34 visit social networking sites most frequently, but baby boomers visited these sites an average of eight times over the last three months, the study reports.

In addition, these older Web video users are 15 percent more likely than non-streaming/downloading baby boomers to buy DVDs, CDs, or movie tickets.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist