MATURE MARKET HEADLINES POSTED 10/13/97
Demographics Demonstrate Doctor Debacle
Aging America's 40 million elderly are served by less than 9,000 certified geriatricians. Geriatricians are primary care physicians who use an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare along with the latest medical advances in an effort to prevent and manage illness in older patients.
Of the 9,000 certified geriatricians, 6,011 are internists and 2,809 are family physicians. 172 more are osteopathic physicians certified in geriatrics. That's not good news for those needing geriatric medicine because, on average, people over 65 visit a physician nine times a year compared to five visits for the general population.
Elders need more "senior sensitive" physicians. In addition, elders are hospitalized three times as often as the younger population, their hospital stays are 50 percent longer, and they use twice as many prescription drugs.
By the year 2030, the nation will need more than 36,000 geriatricians to care for nearly 80 million baby boomers. In order to address this critical need, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has entered into a partnership with the American Geriatrics Society. The partnership program is known as the National Blue Initiative for Quality Senior Care, and will offer education in clinical geriatrics for primary care physicians.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Redefining Retirement ... Sun City Style
Today's realities and tomorrow's trends are keeping senior living industries booming. By the year 2000, one out of every eight Americans will be age 65 or older. This generation of baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, translates into a substantial market of nearly 80 million mature consumers.
What do these boomers want? According to a survey by retirement community developer, Del Webb, 18% want to relocate out of state when they retire. 70% plan to work part time in retirement and / or volunteer for charitable organizations. By anyone's description, they're a pretty active group. In response, Del Webb Corporation offers a vacation get-away program where these potential buyers can sample the active lifestyles at its Sun City retirement communities.
The vacations range from one night to seven with complimentary golf. The active lifestyle offers plenty of opportunities for meeting new people and making new friends, which is especially attractive to today's 16 million singles who are 55-plus. These are the people who grew up on such television fare as "Fantasy Island", "The Dating Game", "Love Connection", and the "Love Boat" where life is supposed to be always "exciting and new". Seems to be working. Del Webb reports that one-in-five Sun City buyers are single, a 40% increase from 1992.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life
People can learn a lot from cats, says Niki Anderson in her new book, "What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life". "In the midst of the crushing pressures we face today,cats can help ... from how to behave, chasing dreams, handling jealousy, and keeping one's life in balance. Here's a sample. "Hissing is sometimes appropriate.
When life gets intense, get out your toys and bat'em around. If something is worth chasing, don't stop until its captured. When frightened, arch your back and make believe you're a lot bigger. When you're troubled, find the lap of a close friend". Alongside each "lesson" is a "Cat Nip" or pithy quote, and spiritual anecdotes. Of course, there's a section on cat care that includes: veterinarian-approved information and recommendations on everything from fur balls to disciplinary tips. The book is new from Honor Books, $15.99. In stores now. Source: Elissa Alter, Diane Glynn PR.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Plus-size Active-wear Fills Consumer Niche
The 30% of American women who wear larger sizes can finally find clothes for their active lifestyle. Just out with their Fall catalog, Junonia is a company dedicated exclusively to active-wear for sizes 14 and up. The catalog carries clothing that crosses over to casual, with an emphasis on fit and function ... all specially designed for the fuller figure.
Fabrics use state-of-the-art high performance fibers to provide heat management and support. Readers will find swimsuits, sports bras, downhill and cross-country ski wear, tennis skirts, padded bicycle shorts, and golf attire. Junonia takes its name from the rare and beautiful sea shell. The shell in turn is named for the Roman deity Juno, protectress of women. She is depicted in art as a goddess of large, majestic proportion. The modern word, junoesque , is used to describe women of great power and beauty. To receive a free catalog, you can call the St. Paul-based company in Minnesota at: 1-800-586-6642.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Hospital Stay Longer for Female Heart Patients
Women spend significantly more time in the hospital, in intensive care and on artificial ventilation after having coronary artery surgery (CAS) than men do, according to research from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. "We need to look more closely at why these differences exist", says Dr. John Butterworth, an anesthesiologist at Wake Forest University.
"There may be some medical difference between women and men that we don't currently appreciate". The research indicates that women remained on the respirator about two hours longer and in intensive care about seven hours longer than men in this study on CAS. Women also stayed in the hospital about one day longer. Researchers believe that healthcare agencies and healthcare insurers should consider these significant differences to ensure equality of care. An estimated 500,000 Americans undergo coronary artery bypass surgery each year.
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Dr. David Demko, Editor
E-mail: demko@demko.com
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