Archive for January, 2008

Sophisticated Boomers Demand Pricier Wines

Lina Ko January 21st, 2008

Last week The Canadian Press filed a news story that the LCBO is shifting its focus towards the more costly premium brands that have been driving sales in the last year. According to the LCBO, there is a growing sophistication in the marketplace and that’s global in nature – not just confined to Ontario. Sales in the over-$10 ranges have been growing.
 
According to the LCBO’s most recent annual report, sales of wines priced between $12 and $15 drove up sales $17.6 million. Wines priced between $15 to $20 jumped by 15 per cent, accounting for $64 million in sales for 2005-06.
 
The tastes of discriminating Ontario consumers are not just confined to wine. While sales of standard brand spirits declined by 1.4 per cent, sales of premium bottles jumped almost six per cent. People who used to buy blended scotch a decade ago are now being drawn to pricier single malts. The growth is pointing to higher-quality wines, spirits and beers.
 
While boomers are known to be enjoying life and seeking the best quality in everything, let’s not forget that in the grand scheme of things, wines priced between $12 and $15 are not rare vintage wines coveted by wine connoisseurs. This price range is still considered value for money. We should also bear in mind that as boomers age, they are even more health-conscious, and drinking in moderation becomes a priority. It will be interesting to see whether any research has indicated that boomers have traded up in quality, but have gone down in overall alcohol consumption to stay healthy!

A New Year for Health-Conscious Boomers

Lina Ko January 14th, 2008

As we step into the new year, baby boomers are proactively taking control of their lives by improving their health.

Effective this year, Calgary has followed New York City’s example as the first Canadian city to go trans-fat-free in all public restaurants. To the two-thirds of baby boomers who have purposedly purchased trans-fat-free foods in the last 12 months, this is obviously good news. Hopefully, other Canadian cities will soon follow suit.

Personal trainers have also reported an increase in their boomer clientele. Once again, a cookie-cutter approach won’t work for boomers. There are leading-edge and trailing-edge boomers and people with health challenges who are all looking for something that will fit their challenges as well as their likes or interests.

They are finding what they need in activities as diverse as outdoor boot camps to yoga, tai chi and meditation. Also hugely popular are the fusion-type classes that blend different disciplines such as yoga and strength training, yoga and cycling, Pilates and strength training. Dance classes of any kind will also become increasingly popular – from ballroom to salsa to belly dancing.

Ageing baby boomers are realizing that time is ticking and they can no longer just talk about getting fit and healthy. They have to walk, run, dance, practise yoga or whatever the talk is. According to fitness guru Marjorie O’Connor, boomers are not satisfied with activities that simply make them sweat. They want to have the three Fs – Fun, Functional exercise that allows them to keep on truckin’ and Freedom from the diet cycle.

As always, time remains the biggest obstacle to people getting active and healthier. Going to a professional might help you achieve your goal – personal trainers, life coaches, registered dietitians or exercise therapists – whoever works well with you and keeps you going!