The Boomer Generation Spends More Time Viewing Content than Others

If you're in the business of preparing web content, it helps to know your audience. It may be surprising to learn that the generation known as baby boomers
spends more time consuming content than millennials or generation xers. The 2015 United States census reports a population of 74.9 million boomers.

Generations (Years vary slightly with source)

In some ways, boomers view web content the same as others. This means:

• Facebook is the top platform for sharing content (64%)
• Videos and images are shared more than other content
• Article length of 300 words is most preferred
• Most favorite content types are:

1. Blog articles
2. Images
3. Comments
4. Ebooks
5. Reviews 

Web viewing habits unique to boomers are:

• More content viewed between 9-11:59 a.m. 
• Most common internet access through desktops and laptops
• Top subjects viewed:

1. Entertainment 19%
2. World News    18%
3. Politics            13% 
4. Healthy Living  9%

•  Least favorite content types are:

1. Memes*
2. Webinars
3. Flipbooks
4. Slideshares
5. White papers

Keep the above viewing habits in mind when sharing information with the boomer demographic. As a boomer, most of the stats above track my habits. I consume more content during the day than at night. I use both a laptop and desktop computer for ease-of-use. I check social media on my iPad and post tweets with photos from my phone. I veer from the demographic by using Twitter more than Facebook. Healthy living, nature and business are my trending topics. What about you? Do the figures above track with your internet use? Please let me know with a comment below.

Boomer viewing habits were extracted from data presented by Red Website Design here. In Financial Facts about Boomer Power, I explore the financial power of the boomer demographic. Please click the italicized title to view.

*meme- humorous video, image, or text that is shared rapidly via internet

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Financial Facts about Boomer Power

The 50+ demographic will increase by 16 million in the next decade

I had the chance to hear Dr. Janice Wassel speak on gerontology. Gerontology is the study of the biology, psychology, social, and cognitive aspects of aging. (Wikipedia page here) Geriatrics, in contrast, is the area of medicine that treats disease in aging adults.

Boomers purchase 40% of technology products

What is Boomer Power? It's the impact of older adults (ages 50+) on the economy. Here are some facts:

• 25% of the U.S. population is over 50
• That 25% purchases 40% of technology products
• Americans live 30 years longer than in the 1900s
• In 2010, 78% of adults age 65 and older reported good to excellent health
• Also in 2010, 70% of adults age 85 and older reported good to excellent health

Boomers own 63% of U.S. financial assets

This 2015 blog article by Mark Bradbury has colorful graphics to illustrate 7 Incredible Facts About Boomers' Spending Power:

1. Adults ages 50 and older are the largest U.S. age demographic
2. That demographic will increase by 16 million in the next 10 years
3. That demographic owns 63% of U.S. financial assets
4. That demographic is 51% more likely to own financial investments than ages 18-49
5. That demographic spends $3.2 trillion annually
6. That demographic accounts for 50% of all consumer expenditures
7. Americans are living 3 decades longer than a century ago (listed above but worth repeating)

Americans ages 50+ spend $3.2 trillion a year

The longevity economy is Dr. Wassel's term for the economic power of older adults. The older adult demographic has significant economic power and continues to contribute to society. They are a varied demographic in terms of health, fitness, and activities.

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