Funseekers Past Fifty

Many marketers have found that the baby boom generation is approaching the other side of fifty as an adventure not a handicap. We are comfortable being gray and are planning to enjoy this part of life.

Baby boomers are far from ready for the rocking chair. We are still very active and not only independent but adventurous as well. We make up the largest group of new internet users as well as the largest group of new entrepreneurs. These boomers are some of the most successful new entrepreneurs due to their experience and adequate financial resources.

Some are taking advantage of their new freedom to start their own business doing something they enjoy. Others want to put off retirement until 70, while many want to buy their dream house and play golf or tennis every day. Regardless of their choice, they all seem to plan to remain active after fifty for quite some time doing what makes them happy.

After fifty also seems to be a good time to reinvent your social life. Many are divorced, widowed or simply empty nesters who now want to enjoy life in ways they weren't able to before. Now that they have the chance, they want to do things their way for a change. With this new freedom many boomers are seeking out new friends or romance. New social networking websites make it easy to connect with others your age who share common interests. Just one of these sites, Senior Friend Finder, claims over 460,000 active members and there are many such sites out there.

The common thread here seems to be that boomers are more fit and expect to live to 85 or 90. We intend to remain vital and enjoy this period of life as much as possible. Continuing growth in fitness and health businesses and even cosmetic surgery reflect their commitment to stay fit and look healthy.

Some people who study trends claim that people at 65 now have as many opportunities ahead as those at 40 in past generations. I'm not sure I'd go that far but I do know that the baby boomer wave is so large that all kinds of businesses are fighting to give us what we want.

So if you are a new member of the past fifty club, the rules are that you need to start doing what you want and have fun doing it.

As the majority of our population is closing in on retirement age, many of us who are able and desire to travel are staying home because we don't want to leave our pet. Sometimes it is because its so hard to find a suitable place to leave them or for many of us it is because we have become so attached that we won't go if the pet can't.

The good news for us is that the hotels are noticing this trend and more of them are becoming pet friendly. AAA states that since 2003 the number of pet friendly hotels has increased by 28%. It seems that the trend is growing as hotels are targeting the growing mass of baby boomers.

Recently I did a search on the internet and found that among the chains claiming to be pet friendly are Holiday Inn, La Quinta and Choice Hotels to name just a few. Even some top luxury hotels will now make allowances for certain pets. Not every member of these chains accept pets, so be sure to check hotels in the specific area you intend to visit.

Other options are condominiums and rental homes. I have been doing some research for an upcoming trip and I'm really impressed by some of the condominiums and rental houses that are pet friendly.

So, it does seem that if you spend a little time searching the internet, you ought to be able to find a nice place to stay for you and your pet.

Fall is here and the weather is great for travel. So get out with your pet and enjoy getting away from home!

One of the benefits that I hope to provide to active seniors is news and tips to help you enjoy your leisure time as much as possible. Whether its a tip to save money or a resort you may not have been aware exists, I will try to make your visit worthwhile.

As many of us are now making plans for enjoying this summer, I would like to remind you of the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Don't shudder if you haven't visited for a while. The area is upscaling in a major way and targets the family and senior markets. One of the major attractions of this area is that it offers such a wide variety of ways to enjoy your visit.

If you love golf the way I do, you may think the area is heaven on earth. The last time I checked the 60 mile stretch of the Grand Strand had over 100 golf courses. It is called the Golf Capital of the World by many and no matter how good or bad you are at golf, you can find courses to suit your game. Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Fazio, Norman and Dye are just some of the designers who have courses here.

The restaurants in this area make the trip worthwhile just for the food. From Restaurant Row in North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet on the south side, you can find a fantastic variety of places to eat all along the Grand Strand. From gourmet dining to biker oyster bars, you can find about any type of food and atmosphere you enjoy. Just don't plan on losing weight while here.

This is also a major shopping area with malls, designer outlets and shopping areas like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing to keep shopaholics in ecstasy.

There are also a variety of theaters which offer different types of live entertainment to keep you occupied in the evenings. You can choose from blues, country, rock and roll or even a Broadway type musical production. In addition to a wide variety of nightclubs and bars to keep your nightlife active.

Brookgreen Gardens is the first sculpture garden in the country and has 900 pieces on display in a 50 acre garden setting. It is a great place to slow down, unwind and smell the flowers. It really is a showplace as well as a national historic landmark.

The beaches here are also some of the most popular in the country. They are attractive, well maintained and a great place to enjoy the day.

The areas north and south of Myrtle Beach are attracting retirees of all incomes with modest homes to gated communities with multimillion dollar mansions. The beautiful beaches, salt marshes, centuries old oaks and friendly people are hard to leave.

If you are looking for a fantastic vacation at a very reasonable price, you should consider a Carnival cruise. You have a range of activities to choose from to entertain yourself without spending most of your time driving from one place to another. You can relax, pamper yourself and just decide what you want to do next.

There are more expensive luxury cruises and I'm sure cheaper ones, but Carnival strives to make their cruises fun for everyone from seniors, adults, singles to children. Plus they are able to make sure each group enjoys their cruise. Carnival is currently the world's largest and most popular cruise line and from personal experience, I can tell you they are expert at making your trip memorable and pleasant.

Carnival carries more passengers from all age groups than any other cruise line and has entertainment options for everyone. You can spend a lavish evening in the Paris Lounge, shake it up in the Rock and Roll dance club, enjoy a live show or test your luck in the Monte Carlo Casino.

Your cruise will be luxurious with spacious and comfortable accomodations. All the staterooms are fully carpeted, with private toilet, sink and shower as well as closet space. Carnival staterooms are 50 percent larger on average than other cruise lines and offer color television showing first run movies. Each section of rooms is assigned a porter so your needs are quickly attended to. Whether you are in the penthouse or an interior room you get personal care 24 hours a day.

If you are on a diet, a Carnival cruise will be very hard for you. There is a buffet on the deck, teatime with your choice of beverage and pastries, plus complimentary stateroom service 24 hours a day. Not to mention you have a table reserved in the main dining room each evening.

You also can choose the casual buffet in the Bistro restaurant or the gala midnight buffet. But if you are on a diet, the Nautical Spa offers calorie conscious choices for every meal.

On every cruise the Captain always has a cocktail party and gala dinner which is a highpoint of each cruise. Everyone dresses up, has pictures taken and has great time.

The ship's activities directors are very helpful with making the most of your time in the ports you visit during the cruise. A number of activities can be arranged for you to enjoy.

Whether you choose a 3 day or 2 week cruise, you will find it a very pleasant experience.