Boomers on Communications

With over 50 years’ worth of old friends to keep up with and family members scattered across the globe, staying in touch is more important than ever to Boomers. So how do they make the most of the tools available? Canvas8 sat down with Britons aged 50-69 to find out how they stay connected.

A Sector Snapshot of Health and Beauty

How are people protecting themselves from urban pollution? What’s driving the backlash against the wellness movement? Why is ‘clean sleep’ now so coveted? Does the ‘natural’ look appeal to everybody? And what does it mean to be fit and healthy at ‘phwoarty’?

What’s the best thing about getting older?

While one might imagine later life as a time of loneliness and declining health, research suggests that old age is accompanied by wealth and happiness. Canvas8 sat down with 20 British Boomers and Seniors to explore their attitudes to ageing, and to find out the best thing about getting older.

Why audio is an ageless medium

Audio innovations are reshaping how older people interact with the world, enabling them to engage in the digital landscape in ways that feel more natural than swiping and typing. How exactly are audiobooks and voice assistants helping to bridge the technology gap between generations?

Weight Watchers: holistic dieting with Oprah

While people may once have counted calories to trim their waistlines, many now take a more holistic approach to health. Weight Watchers is repositioning itself as a lifestyle brand with the aid of Oprah Winfrey, who’s using her star power to draw Boomers back to the pioneering weight loss company.

M&S – Mrs Claus: a festive twist on feminism

Christmas can be a stressful time – something many more women than men recognise. In the run-up to the big day in 2016, M&S is winning over women across the UK with a spot starring Mrs Claus instead of her husband, reminding them that it knows who the real heroes of Christmas are.

The Enternship: helping women get back into work

The PR industry favours the young, but often requires employees to work past retirement age. Knowing that it may be hard to find your place if you’re not part of Gen Y, Wunderlich Kaplan Communications is offering a new internship to women over 40. But is age really just a number?

Next Adventure Home: a dream home built on data

There are 76 million Boomers in the US, but when it comes to housing, much of the chatter is centred on Gen Yers. They may be looking for affordability, but what do Boomers want from their dream home? Marketing company Hanley Wood and developer Taylor Morrison claim to have figured it out.

People in their 60s are having 'later life crises’

People approaching 50 don't have the monopoly on life crises. Research has found that a third of those in their 60s have a developmental crisis during that period, caused by episodes of bereavement, illness, or injury – which often lead to an increased consciousness of death.

Netflix appeals to Boomers with Letterman show

David Letterman is a firm favourite among older TV audiences in the US. In 2018, he’s set to leave retirement to host a Netflix-owned talk show that will not only serve as a lure for this older audience to sign up, but as a demonstration that Netflix understands what they want from good TV.

Japan's elderly splash out on luxury travel

With its ageing population, older people in Japan are often thought of as a burden, but in reality, many don’t identify as elderly. With mortgages paid off and kids that have flown the nest, they have ample free time and cash – and they're spending it on premium travel and luxury experiences. 

The Pop Shoppe sells nostaglic hard soda

From #throwbackthursday to nostalgic club nights, people love to indulge in a blast from the past. Now Canadian soda brand The Pop Shoppe is encouraging people to do just that, while recognising that they’re all grown up by releasing alcoholic versions of its iconic drinks from the '70’s.