Getting unwanted mail, and it is stereotyping??? (dump, state, graduated)
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Ever since I turned 60, I have been getting mail from companies that deal in hearing aides, mobile devices, inconstinence products, cemetery and funeral homes and today, if I am taking so and so medicine, to partake in tests in regards to how the med is working. I am sorry, but to me, I am insulted by these mailings. Why do they think that just because someone is over that age, he/she will have some sort of need for their product or have the malady in regards to what they are hawking??? Why assume that all people "fall apart" after that age? Or is it just "hit or miss" advertising??
Ever since I turned 60, I have been getting mail from companies that deal in hearing aides, mobile devices, inconstinence products, cemetery and funeral homes and today, if I am taking so and so medicine, to partake in tests in regards to how the med is working. I am sorry, but to me, I am insulted by these mailings. Why do they think that just because someone is over that age, he/she will have some sort of need for their product or have the malady in regards to what they are hawking??? Why assume that all people "fall apart" after that age? Or is it just "hit or miss" advertising??
It is targeted marketing. The target is anyone 60 and over. In this case, it appears it is a "shot gun" approach . . . blanket a particular region, targeting the 60 and above demographic . . . and the expectation is that a pre-determined % of folks will respond.
Sometimes, the demographics are broken down into cohorts of such things as . . . age 60 >; income level =/> X ; and certain zip codes, wh/ reflect X as median income. Other criteria can include such things as tax valuation on your house, for ex.
As a 68 year old, I never get any mailings of that nature. Why? Because I'm not on the sorts of lists they buy.
Advertisers aren't just looking for people of a certain age. They're looking for people who are likely to buy their products or services. If age were all that mattered there are plenty of cheap lists available with e-mail addresses to eliminate mailing costs. The fact that you're receiving mail rather than e-mail indicates that they view you as someone who does not have a computer, therefore, someone who is less sophisticated and likely less educated. I understand that you do have a computer; but marketing folks aren't perfect.
But how did you get on that list? If you are a member of the AARP you have at least part of the answer. If you subscribe to certain magazines aimed at the elderly that's another source. But since you began to receive this material when you reached 60 it was almost certainly from a list with your age. That again points to AARP, a senior center, senior fair where you registered for a prize, even looked at low income housing for the elderly, bought unsuitable insurance, particularly burial insurance, a mark of the onset of senility, and more and more of similar.
Ha! Wait until you reach age 64 and a half, approximately, and you'll be inundated with advertisements for all the various Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap plans, etc. And don't breathe a sigh of relief after you're 65 either, because each year you'll get the same avalanche of Medicare ads (as they are hoping you'll ditch whatever plan you chose and sign up for theirs)! This renewal avalanche will occur about October/November each year.
Ever since I turned 60, I have been getting mail from companies that deal in hearing aides, mobile devices, inconstinence products, cemetery and funeral homes and today, if I am taking so and so medicine, to partake in tests in regards to how the med is working. I am sorry, but to me, I am insulted by these mailings. Why do they think that just because someone is over that age, he/she will have some sort of need for their product or have the malady in regards to what they are hawking??? Why assume that all people "fall apart" after that age? Or is it just "hit or miss" advertising??
I hate the stupid mentality in this country that when you get to be a "certain age" you're just waiting to die. I go to a restaurant and pick up a copy of the local "senior citizen" magazine and right next to it is a "parents" magazine. The parents magazine is filled with life, fun, excitement, learning and joy. The senior citizen magazine is filled with sickness and death. I don't know about you, but at 56 years of age, I've got an AWFUL LOT OF LIVING left to do, including learning, laughing and and fun!
Like the other posters stated, they are doing "targeted advertising". When I get this kind of crap, I send it back.
I am sick to death of all the "crap" I have been getting from all those medicare advantage outfits. Starting tomorrow I am going to dump them in the corner mailbox with an arrow pointing to the return address and blacking out my address. It likely won't make any difference except making me feel better.
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