The state of the economy has greatly affected people’s spending habits. People have cut back on activities like eating out or going to the movies. They have also made changes in their buying habits, such as switching from brand name products to generics. But despite economic concerns, people continue to spend large amounts of money on anti-aging strategies.
Due to many factors, people are retiring later in life. The generation of “Baby Boomers” (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) is “currently the largest the largest segment of the workforce in the public sector.” Because of the economy, people are less secure at their jobs. Long-time employees are having their jobs “downsized,” “consolidated,” “re-structured,” or “re-organized”—essentially taken away from them and given to an entry level person who will work for an entry level salary.
Members of the baby boomer generation are now finding themselves having to compete with younger employees to keep their own jobs; and if they are looking to be promoted or to find a completely new job, they will have to compete with younger job candidates, and will have a harder time getting the job, regardless of experience. According to the Newsweek poll, "How Much is Beauty Worth at Work?", “Eighty-four percent of managers said they believe some bosses would hesitate before hiring a qualified job candidate who looked much older than his or her co-workers.”
A youthful image has become a job requirement in itself. In order to attain this youthful image, more and more men and women are turning to expensive anti-aging treatments. Baby boomers are frequenting salons and spas, skin care clinics, medical spas, and doctors’ offices (dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic doctors) in an attempt to turn back the hands of time. Plastic surgeries like eye lifts, brow lifts, and full facelifts have increased in popularity. Skin care products are now packed with anti-aging cosmeceutical ingredients such as anti-oxidants and peptides. In the middle of this spectrum are laser treatments, medium to deep chemical peels, and a variety of injectables.
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