One unsurprising growth category is private health spending - on health insurance, pharmaceuticals and medical fee gaps. Nor will the oldies spend a lot on clothing and footwear. If they can't make smaller cars locally, they'll lose market share. Other manufacturers will need to change the proportions of many products - from the cut of jeans to the weight of gardening tools. Shopping malls will have fewer sports stores and music shops, but more book stores.
Mature customers are likely to be more comfortable being served by mature workers.
Airline and travel agents will have to pitch to different market demographics, with fewer backpackers and more travellers willing to pay a little extra for comfort. The housing industry will need to build fewer and smaller homes, but with higher-quality fittings and greater emphasis on safety and security. Some of it is no more than what the customers demand. Ross Gittins is a staff writer. The Age Company Ltd 2001.