1. Why most advertising to seniors doesn't work.

In spite of their vast wealth [see PS at end], seniors are pretty much invisible to advertisers in America. We get weary of watching a TV world where you seldom see anyone over 50. And when you do, they're most often ding-a-lings, duffers or bores.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/howadvertiseseniors.html.

2. How to send Presidential greetings.

If you're 80 or older, you're entitled to birthday greetings from the White House (as are 50th and subsequent anniversaries, the birth of a child, Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold awards, weddings, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs. Hell, the White House will even send sympathy cards for a death). For most seniors, this is a big deal. And it's not just George W. doing it. All former Presidents send them as well.

Complete information at http://www.suddenlysenior.com/presidentialpride.html.

3. How to terrorize telemarketers.

Seniors, at home more than most, are driven to madness by telemarketers. Here's how to make telemarketers the source of humor and joy in your life, while making their lives miserable. Plus a not so trivial way to make big bucks off them as well.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/telemarketers.html

4. How to save 40 - 85 percent or more on prescription drugs.

Ten million seniors have no prescription drug coverage. Millions more have but little. Here's how to buy drugs in Canada by phone or Internet, URLs and toll-free phone numbers of a number of reputable Canadian drugs stores, and comparison prices. I just saved almost $600 on a three-month supply!

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/canadiandrugstores.html

5. How a 70¢ cigarette tax could pay for Medicare drug coverage.

Millions go to lobbying and advertising efforts to "keep big government out of your medicine cabinet." Which is another way of saying, "Let us gouge seniors double and triple what patients in HMOs pay for drugs." An editorial.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/malpracticeofcongress.html

6. A 1943 Guide to Hiring Women

Doing a story on how things have changed in the last 60 years? Who says you haven't come a long way, Baby? An amazing excerpt from the July 1943 issue of Transportation Magazine.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/1943guidehirewomen.html

7. What a difference a century makes.

Seniors like nostalgia, and beyond. Here's what America was like in 1902, when the average wage was 22 cents an hour and there were 230 reported murders in the US.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/whatdifference100yearsmake.html

8. How to avoid identity fraud.

Again, seniors are more susceptible than most. Here's good, simple, practical advice on what to do when your wallet or purse is stolen.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/avoididfraud.html

9. The Caregiver's Bill of Rights

What every caregivers should have hanging on the wall in front of them.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/caregiversbillofrights.html

10. The power of prayer in medicine.

From WebMD. A November 2001 article by Jeanie Davis reports on serious research indicating that prayer definitely helps in healing.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/prayerinmedicine.html

11. It takes you back: Yeah, I remember that!

One of the many pieces on the Suddenly Senior site that reminds seniors of their youth 100 different ways. Always a pleaser.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/irememberthat.html

12. Old sayings, and where they came from.

Ever wonder where "sleep tight" or "mind your P's and Q's" or "F.U.C.K." came from. Look here. See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/oldsayings.html

13. Bizarre W.W.II happenings.

There's still a big audience for this. Here's proof that history can be hysterical. Not just for vets. See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/bizarrewwII.html

14. (Another) look at how things have changed. With a twist.

What a difference 40+ years can make! Ten "rules" from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life.

See http://www.suddenlysenior.com/thingschange.html

Next time you're looking for a senior story idea, or a dash of senior humor, click around the 300+ pages at SuddenlySenior.com. As one reader said, "It's a treasure trove for the 50+ crowd. Outstanding!"

Frank

PS Senior-market stats are at http://www.suddenlysenior.com/seniorfacts.html. Sooner or later, you'll find this useful. As will marketers need Frank Kaiser's "Secrets of Selling to Seniors."

PPS HHS's "A Profile of Older Americans: 2001" is here as a .pdf file. Very useful information for any senior-beat writer.

Also, don't even think of advertising to seniors without reading "10 Commandments of Selling Successfuly to Seniors."

PPPS How Suddenly Senior came to be: a riches to rags to rags story on how this site got started and (almost) flourished.

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