Senior internet use is significantly on the rise. It may come as a surprise that senior usage of the internet is very close to out- performing younger users. Seniors now take an avid interest in social networking, financial opportunities, learning new and exotic food recipes, purchasing savvy clothing, keeping up with state of the art technology, planning niche travel experiences and practicing diverse hobbies and interests. In fact any web products or service which is about enriching their senior lifestyle.

Seniors, third wavers and baby boomers are the first generations of older adults which know that even some small change to their lifestyle may reap significant impacts on their overall level of cognitive alertness and general wellbeing.

Medical professionals have aptly pointed out for years that to be fit at fifty plus is within the reach of everyone! All it takes is a sound, enthusiastic approach to exercise, diet, health and wellbeing practices.  There is a large body of scientific evidence that suggests that we can slow down signs of aging by embracing such regimes.

For many older folk, gone are the days where one pursues random life enriching pursuits hoping some will stick. Seniors are clearly focused on what they want and need. They are becoming alert to the fact that their lifestyle decisions can be identified, researched, planned and paid for within a very short period. Sometimes minutes.

For many at this age, their drive and enthusiasm to explore different experiences has been fuelled by the fact that they have spent most of their lives preparing financially and emotionally for this special time. The outer commitments of family and career have substantially diminished, or at least the sense of them dominating every minute of the day. Over fifties are drawing new boundaries of personal selflessness and self pampering in the form of lifestyle choices that can be enjoyed in a totally different way and set of contexts.

The key question is: Are e-businesses ready and designed to respond to the onslaught of each “senior customer” segment? Seniors are certainly ready to receive. A possible start to inviting potential older adults through your on- line front door is to sort out one simple confliction. Many sites sell products highly relevant to the older adult lifestyle, however these same sites utilize photo shots of models half or a third the age of the senior prospect. The self select blocker is well and truly triggered.

The strategic decision to exhibit in only one age segment, while burning off an army of potential older customers, is nothing less than a significant opportunity cost. Possibly it’s time to re-think how you tailor and appropriately brand your goods for each of these highly lucrative “age channels” to achieve that all elusive business mantra – customer intimacy.

1. Intermediary sites such as www.seniorbestbuy.com  is an example of a directory site that says to its users “these affiliate websites are here to enjoy regardless of the marketing nuances of them catering for a younger person. That the products they showcase will add to your thirst to live a proactive senior lifestyle”.