Designing for the Senior Surge

The Wall Street Journal had an article in the Friday April 25th issue called Designing for the senior surge  that discusses how makers of appliances (think General Electric) and bath fixtures (think Delta Faucet) are preparing for the senior surge by inventing "senior-friendly" products.

This is especially important because unlike their parents, who often moved into retirement communities or assisted-living centers, most boomers plan to remain in their own homes (aging in place).

And it's a huge opportunity. There are 78 million U.S. baby boomers, and roughly one-third will be 62 years old or older by 2013, says AARP. Read more senior care statistics here.

But marketing these senior-friendly features before they're needed requires a delicate touch according to NPD Group, a market research firm:  "The older consumers don't want to be treated like they're ready for retirement,'' says Mark Delaney, director of the home-industry sector at NPD Group.