From the W.I. to WiFi. Tech-thirsty baby boomers increasingly targeted by overseas accommodation providers
It seems that a generation of tech-thirsty baby boomers is abandoning traditional retirement activities such attending the Women’s Institute (W.I.) in favour of the attractions of
Recently published research on the respected Buffer blog has revealed that the fastest growing demographic on Twitter throughout 2013 was the 55–64 year age bracket which has grown a whopping 79% since 2012. Meanwhile, the 45–54 year age range has proven the fastest growing users on both Facebook and Google+, jumping 46% on Facebook and 56% on Google+.
This impressive growth calls into question the prevailing assumption that social media is “just for teenagers” and highlights the importance to businesses of having a solid social media strategy in place in order to target these lucrative demographics.
Indeed, the boom of social media is set to be even more pervasive in 2014. Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a Summers’ Villages, a private gated apartment resort dedicated exclusively to active over 50s on Lanzarote, has witnessed a huge increase of retirees using social media. The resort’s Twitter, Facebook and You Tube channels have been buzzing with activity since opening in September 2012.
“The majority of residents staying here at Sun Park Living are hugely active on social media, organising Skype sessions, updating their Facebook and Twitter pages with their daily activities here, uploading photographs on Pinterest and Instagram or videos to YouTube. This has been a huge and surprising boost to businesses for us, as our residents are sharing with others and showing them what they are missing by not being here. Often people come out after seeing how much a friend is enjoying their time at Sun Park Living through their social media feeds.
“The residents here find social media a useful means of keeping in contact with friends and relatives at home, making them feel connected with others, abolishing the feeling of isolation that old age can bring and keeping the mind active through the learning of new tips and tricks from the online world. Most Sun Rockers have chosen to leave a video testimonial on our site, which they share with all friends and family and potential new comers, as evidence of their successful stay, showing a whole array of different personalities and experiences all of which we currently share on the resorts social media sites and website”
Indeed the sense of both online and offline community spirit as seen at Sun Park Living is a huge draw for retirees looking for a lifestyle change. Of course the warm climate, flavourful local cuisine and fantastic culture of Lanzarote all serve to make the experience even more rewarding – not to mention the resort offering affordable rental apartments, for short or long term, for a fraction of the usual cost of retirement properties in the UK.
Self-catering apartment accommodation with all the benefits of community living with like-minded WiFi wizards at Sun Park Living costs €625 per four weeks for those enjoying 12 or more weeks a year (in three or more blocks of four weeks each, consecutive or not). For those wishing to sample the community, a four week Taster Stay is available for €225 per week or a one week Taster Visit for €350 per week.
For more information contact Gil and the team on 0161 408 3360, visit www.sunparkliving.com, like the dedicated Facebook page or follow on Twitter for the latest updates! You can also view all video testamonials here http://www.sunparkliving.com/video/