The baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—are a generation that consists of nearly 76 million Americans. Beginning in 2011, this large and influential population will begin their transition out of the workforce. As baby boomers enter retirement, they will be looking for opportunities in fitness, sports, outdoors, arts and cultural events, and other activities that suit their vibrant lifestyles. With their varied life experiences, values, and expectations, baby boomers are predicted to redefine the meaning of recreation and leisure programming for mature adults.
Though many researchers have forecast the boomers’ impact on the future, only Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers addresses key information that recreation and leisure professionals need in order to make program decisions with baby boomers in mind. The authors combine their research, programming, and marketing expertise to provide insights into the values and lifestyle choices of boomers and offer programming and marketing strategies to reach this large and influential population.
Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers will help you move beyond the traditional offerings of bingo, art classes, and social dances to capture the attention and imagination of your baby boomer community. This comprehensive guide offers these features:
An in-depth review of current research to help you understand the values, interests, and needs of the boomer generation
Guidance in adopting a “boomer lens” so you can more easily recognize the opportunities in working with this group and create and market programs that appeal to the values of this unique generation
The Cochran Baby Boomer Quiz, a tool that can be used not only in assessing the programming preferences of the boomers in your community, but also in testing your staff’s knowledge of boomers and preparing them to work more effectively with this group
Strategies, guidelines, and ready-to-use ideas for boomer-specific programming in arts and culture, outdoor recreation, education, wellness, and tourism
Marketing templates and strategies that will attract boomers and keep them coming to your programs
Chapter 1: Are You Ready for the Boomers?
Chapter 2: What Drives Boomers?
Chapter 3: Marketing to Baby Boomers
Chapter 4: Adopting a Boomer Lens
Chapter 5: Getting Groovy: Arts and Culture Program Ideas
Chapter 6: Pursuing Pathways: Education Program Ideas
Chapter 7: Life Is an Adventure: Outdoor Adventure Program Ideas
Chapter 8: Move to the Beat: Healthy Living Program Ideas
Chapter 9: Hit the Road: Travel Program Ideas
Chapter 10: The Boomer Future
Lynda J. Cochran, PhD, CPRP, is an assistant professor of recreation and leisure studies at the State University of New York, College at Brockport. A certified park and recreation professional, Cochran has over 10 years of practical experience as a recreation programmer and manager in both municipal and military settings.
Anne M. Rothschadl, PhD, is an associate professor of sport management and recreation at Springfield College in Springfield, Masssachusetts. Rothschadl has been researching trends and issues of the baby boomer generation for more than 10 years.
Jodi L. Rudick, MAS, is president of ADvisors Marketing Group in Oceanside, California. Rudick is a leading marketing consultant, working with everyone from nonprofit organizations to Fortune 500 companies. She is dedicated to promoting participation, advocacy, and support for park and recreation organizations. In 1995, she created the Parks and Recreation: The Benefits Are Endless campaign for the National Recreation and Park Association.