The populations of nations throughout the world, especially those economically
developed countries of North America, Europe, and Asia, have become older.
In the United States and Europe, the “baby boomer” generation born soon after
World War II ended is now approaching “senior citizen” status. Later generations of
child-bearers in various countries, either by choice or by adherence to government
policies, had fewer children than families in the past generations. At the present
time, many countries are seeing a population decline and a change in the structure of
the population, with a larger segment of the population in the older age category.
This change has not gone unnoticed by the “shakers and doers” in the industry,
retail marketing, and the housing market, as well as political leaders. For example,
in the past, housing, clothing styles, and recreational and leisure time operations
were geared toward the younger and middle-aged populations. Now, there has been
a dramatic shift in focus toward older persons who have the time, funds, and
resources for housing, clothing, and activities consistent with an older age lifestyle
