ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Results tagged “going green” from ShAARP Session

Apr '09 22

David Goldstein | 9:26 AM | 0 Comments

earthday.jpg

Happy Earth Day everyone! Earth Day first started as a major American show of support for environmental issues. Since then it has become a massive global event. In honor of the day, let's go over some ways you can go green. For starters, you can buy green products that save the planet but also save you a buck or two. Did you know that 50% of people who are Boomers or older say that they already buy green products? Being conscious of the environment extends to your home too. There are ways to make your home greener and some nursing homes are designed with this is mind. You can even be green when dealing with end of life issues for yourself or loved ones. If you're stumped, there are Green Fairs featuring exhibits with some creative ideas than can help you be a little more Earth-friendly in your daily activities.

Sep '08 25

Alejandra Owens | 12:45 PM | 0 Comments

A new study shows that older Americans are the top purchasers of environmentally friendly products.

According to a survey conducted by ICOM Information & Communications, women aged 55-59 are more than twice as likely as the average consumer to use green products. Meanwhile, men aged 65-69 are 1.7 times as likely to use green goods.

ICOM's Peter Meyers says that younger buyers are still "green" -- "that is," he says, "inexperienced when it comes to engaging with environmentally friendly goods."

Indeed, somewhat counter-intuitively, the survey finds that "Of those who said they do not use environmentally friendly products, both male and female demographics age 25-34 years were among the 'least likely to use' when compared with the national average."

Aug '08 21

Alejandra Owens | 10:41 AM | 0 Comments

Well this is good to see. "Saving the planet may be the next big trend in retirement living," said Leslie Moldow, head of the American Institute of Architects' Design for Aging Committee.

That's right - the newest fad in retirement living is to build homes that save more energy, improve indoor air quality, preserve the natural habitat, conserve water and rely on recycled materials. Environmentally friendly architects and designers are increasingly being hired to build retirement homes in an effort to support the "green design movement."

While it's natural to think going green automatically means making sacrifices, that's not always the case. "Our commitment to green practices fits nicely with our overall objective of delivering high-quality retirement living. What we save on utility bills, for example, we can use to improve residents' care," says Bernie Francis, board director of Dallas-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp., a pioneer in "graying" the green design movement.

Even if you don't live in one of these places that were green-designed, there's nothing wrong with supporting the environment in other ways in your home; check out AARP's suggestions on living green! And if you decide you want to get more involved in the green movement - check out LiveGreen for discounts, coupons and fun events!

Aug '08 16

Alejandra Owens | 12:21 PM | 0 Comments

The Christian Science Monitor's Bright Green Blog takes a look at recent Department of Transportation numbers and an AARP survey that shows people are hopping on their bikes, riding the bus and hittin' the pavement more.

Our own Elinor Ginzler was featured, here's what she had to say about this trend:

Four in 10 said they have used public transportation, walked or ridden a bicycle more frequently since gas prices have risen, according to the AARP poll, which was being released Wednesday.

Elinor Ginzler, AARP's senior vice president for livable communities, said she's concerned that communities don't have adequate sidewalks, bus shelters, bike lanes and public transportation options as more people look for other means to get around.

"More Americans age 50-plus are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus," Ginzler said.

Are you going green because of gas prices?