The Techy 50-plus

This Reuter’s article is an interesting reflection on the 50-plus and their tech literacy.

If you are interested in jazz and blues music then the recording company Blue Note might mean something to you. I means nothing to me.

It appears that by the end of August the label will have revamped its Web site to become a social network and digital music store for fans of jazz and blues, rather than its current format - a simple promotional site.

The core age demographic of its customers is 35-54. Not a group that most marketers associate with digital downloading and social networking.

According to the Ipsos TEMPO survey, adults beyond the age of 34 make up about 40% of all paid-for downloaders -- twice the proportion that teens account for. They also download more songs than average: nine per month compared with the average five across all generations.

The generation gap is similar for music subscription services, where 35- to 54-year-olds represent 45% of those who exclusively use paid streaming or subscription-based music services. Interesting. Dick Stroud

The Zimmers

For the past few weeks I have had a task on Outlook to “write something about the Zimmers”. I keep hitting the Snooze for 1 day option.

A number of friends, who know about my interest in the 50-plus market, have asked: “So what do you think about the Zimmers”. I have found it difficult to know what to say.

A video of their performance has been watched by well over 2,500,000 people on YouTube and about 100,000,000 people, in 50 countries, have seen clips of the band on television.

Most of the UK newspapers have covered the story in detail. Here is what the Times had to say about them. They have been the biggest ‘age thing’ this year. But still I am not sure what I think.

This might sound a bit ‘precious’ but I don’t find anything very edifying or entertaining in a group of old people impersonating The Who. I can see what it creates a buzz and might sell some music tracks but it is for novelty value.

I have great admiration for the 90 year old lead singer and I hope he got a lot of fun when filming and recording the track. But in my mind the sooner the media spotlight moves on the better. Dick Stroud

Music for Grownups?

My old chum Chuck Nyren was recently on a radio chat show reviewing AARP’s punt into the world of music.

You can listen to the interview and view (and listen) to the AARP music Web site.

Chuck’s provides a great summary – “as is usually the case, AARP’s grab for Baby Boomers is an admixture of good intentions, some top-notch stuff – and cheesy, insulting schlock”. It is well worth reading the rest of his blog posting.

Yep the venture could be improved but at least AARP is having a go at doing something innovative. Age Concern, Help the Aged and Saga - are you listening? Dick Stroud