By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Guest Blogger

Health and wellness concerns will continue to be the overriding theme for 2009 for consumers in their food purchases, although economic conditions also will be uppermost in consumers’ minds as they strive to cut their food bills.

That’s the analysis of Diane Toops, news and trends editor for Food Processing.com, in an article “Consumer Trends for 2009.”

More specifically, Toops indicates, these trends will predominate.

Consumers want:

• To be in control of their choices, even in a recession. Companies that give consumers what they want or give them the freedom to customize their purchases will do well.

• Simplicity and purity. Manufacturers will focus on clear ingredient labels and products, emphasizing fresh, clean, and pure as essential values.

• To regain trust in the safety of the food supply. Reassuring consumers that they’re acting in the customers’ best interest will become a primary concern for businesses.

• To save money. Companies will provide premium meals that will be an alternative to going out.

• Fun-to-eat foods that lift the spirits. Companies will launch products to lighten the consumer’s mood.

Boomers will be of particular interest to businesses, Joan Holleran, director of research for Mintel, a marketing and research firm, is quoted as saying in the article. Companies will move beyond traditional “old age” products and services to ones that embrace the active, healthy lifestyles of many older consumers.

Healthy products will continue to be emphasized in new product development particularly foods with added health benefits for boomers as well as babies and seniors, according to Toon.

As boomers age, stress on bones and joints becomes more evident. Functional health ingredients for joint health and fortification with vitamin D and calcium will continue to grow in consumer products.

Other trends to meet the interest of consumers in healthy food will be:

• More whole grains.

• Healthy ingredients from the sea.

• The continued use of nuts and seeds in foods, such as snack bars.

• Energy drinks to help people relax.

• Supplement, mineral, and flavonoid laden food and drinks to enhance beauty and fight aging.

• Drinks to help people detoxify and remove harmful chemicals and substances from their bodies.

• Food and drinks with stevia, a natural sweetener with no calories.

• More eco foods and drinks.

• An increase in the use of flower flavors in food and beverages.

• A growing number of “brain-health” products.

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My good friend Raj Setty at LifeBeyondCode posted about this nice video clip today on his blog. This short, 2-minute video explains how you can also learn to fold a T-Shirt within just two seconds.

Why do I mention it here?

First, it is a useful technique to learn to squeeze out a bit more time in our busy lives or just to impress friends or family

Second, Raj takes this example and beautifully explains the hidden lesson to leverage our talent and create good content

Third, A question that we should ask ourselves is, what other opportunities might be there to make our daily, routine activities more effecient and be able to spend more time on doing things that matter most? Are we even looking in that direction?

Enjoy this video and have a fabulous weekend.

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By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Worry, worry, worry.

It seems to be taking up a lot of time these days as we see company after company laying off thousands of workers, and the talk going on and on about what needs to be done to turn the economy around.

What can baby boomers do to in these tough economic times to reduce their stress level?

We may not be able to change the economy on our own, but we can take steps to retain our sanity in these difficult times and strive to come out stronger, Karen Turner, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, says in the article “Self Help for Baby Boomers to Deal With the Recession.”

Turner suggests boomers use the law of attraction. She says thinking positively will help you feel good, and you’ll be more likely to take advantage of an opportunity if it comes your way. You’ll look at finding solutions instead of mulling over problems.

Boomers, who’ve learned survival skills through years of experience, can focus on a positive outcome and obtain a positive outcome.

Turner offers these tips to surround yourself with positive energy:

• Think positively.
• Replace that frown with a smile. Look for reasons to smile.
• Don’t keep bills in your wallet. Clear it of scraps of papers as a way of telling yourself that you are ready to receive money.
• Meditate, do yoga, or exercise regularly.
• Eat well. You’ll be less likely to feel irritated, frustrated, or angry when your stomach is full.
• Save money. It increases your options in recessionary times.

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